Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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610. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if additional specialist staff and equipment will be provided to the Garda computer crime unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1994/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.  I am assured by the Commissioner that personnel assignments, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed.

I am informed by the Commissioner that, on foot of a review of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit under the Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, a dedicated Garda Cyber Crime Bureau (GCCB) was established in September 2016 to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity and capabilities to deal with cyber crime and cyber security threats. The allocation of additional and support staff for the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau is ongoing. In addition, in conjunction with the Garda College, a module on cyber crime investigation is included in the training programme for all trainee Gardaí, with all other Garda personnel being trained through the Continuous Professional Development network in cyber crime awareness and cyber crime investigation.

The GCCB has responsibility for the forensic examination of all seized computer media, international liaison with regard to cyber matters and the investigation of cyber crime matters. Cases examined by the GCCB include all crime-types, in particular banking and financial crime matters, as well as the examination of equipment and media to assess images in the context of offences relating to child pornography and exploitation.

The roll-out continues on a phased basis of regional triage units. The triage model provides a tiered response and capability for computer forensic services on a regional basis, utilising locally-based and trained first-responders and cyber triage specialists. The triage model also reduces demands on the central Bureau, while remaining under the supervision of the Detective Superintendent, Garda Cyber Crime Bureau. To date two regional triage units have been established in the Southern and South-Eastern Regions, at Ballincollig and New Ross Garda Stations. These triage units are the subject of review to inform and establish best practices and processes for the establishment of further such units in other Regions.

The Deputy will be aware some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is also being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.

As of the 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available,  the number of staff allocated to the GCCB is 28 including 1 Inspector, 5 Sergeants and 17 Gardaí, with 1 Higher Executive Officer, 2 Executive Officers and 2 Clerical Officers.