Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if extra funding is being provided for Garda resources in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division in 2019 in view of the recent ATM robberies. [17942/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made in Garda ICT, the Garda fleet and the Garda estate - in total, the Garda capital allocation has increased from €61 million to €92 million in 2019, a 50% increase.

This unprecedented current and capital investment in An Garda Síochána is in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.

It is a matter for the Commissioner to efficiently manage the very significant resources which have been provided and to determine the allocation of budgets to all regions, including the Northern Region and all Divisions, including Cavan/ Monaghan Division, based upon operational requirements. This includes the allocation of resources in response to emerging crime trends.

I share the Deputies' concern about the recent ATM robberies, the majority of which have taken place in Northern Ireland. These are crimes that have a significant impact on both businesses and communities and I condemn the criminals behind them in the strongest terms.

I can further assure the Deputy of the strong ongoing cooperation between Gardaí and the PSNI, including in relation to their investigations into these robberies and to the high priority attached to combatting cross-border organised crime, in particular through the Joint Agency Task Force established under the Fresh Start Agreement.