James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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351. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when work will commence on the refurbishment of the Garda immigration facility at Rosslare Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4242/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

As the Deputy is aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities. It continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. The programme does not include the re-development or refurbishment of the Garda immigration facility at Rosslare Harbour.

However I am advised that the OPW visited the facility in 2019 and that Gardaí have provided the OPW with a brief of requirements including proposals for a replacement facility. As the Deputy will appreciate, consideration of the matter is an ongoing, deliberative process between An Garda Síochána and the OPW and as such, it is not possible to provide further information at this time.