Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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452. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if GISC's responsibility for the management of the Garda information technology service desk out of hours and on weekends was rolled back in 2016 with responsibility moving to a company (details supplied); and if so, the reason therefore. [24329/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that Gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crimes, and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis.

In support of this, €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the Capital Plan, is 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. This significant investment will additionally facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation.

Decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2016 the Garda ICT Service Desk resumed responsibility from the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) for out of hours and weekend cover.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the service desk is staffed by combination of Garda staff and contract staff and that responsibility for the management of the service desk lies with Garda ICT.