Written answers

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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129. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been further progress since this Deputy brought information before Dáil Éireann on 10 September 2020, in achieving a full and comprehensive investigation here and in Northern Ireland into the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan in December 1972 which caused the death of two young persons and injuries to many others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60829/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and I know that he has campaigned over many years on behalf of the families of the victims of the Belturbet bombing. Like him and many others, I would also hold the view that the perpetrators of this appalling atrocity should be brought to justice and I wish to extend my most sincere sympathy to those who were bereaved and injured in that terrible attack.

I am assured that this bombing was comprehensively investigated at the time by An Garda Síochána. The investigation pursued various lines of inquiry; however it was not possible to gather sufficient evidence to sustain a prosecution.

An Garda Síochána has confirmed to me that the investigation remains open and their work has continued in the intervening period. An Garda Síochána also liaise with the families in relation to any developments.

I would emphasise that any new information will be assessed by the Garda authorities. In this regard, the content of the new material from recent academic and media sources has been brought to the attention of the Garda Commissioner for consideration and any appropriate action. An Garda Síochána remain committed to working closely with the PSNI as necessary, where that could advance the investigation.

The Government has also raised the case with the British Government in our discussions on legacy issues.

I can assure the Deputy that the appalling events of that day are very much in our thoughts and I will continue to engage with the Garda Commissioner in relation to progress in this investigation.

I would ask that anyone with information in relation to these appalling acts to please contact An Garda Síochána. It is never too late to do the right thing by these families who have suffered so much.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she and her Department are kept informed of operational concerns within An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60867/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when and the frequency with which she meets with the Garda Commissioner to discuss matters of national interest such as current or future matters of interest or concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60868/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

I can inform the Deputy that both I and my senior officials are in regular and frequent communication with the Garda Commissioner and his senior management team in respect of all matters within the competency of the Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

The Garda Commissioner is required by law to keep me, as Minister for Justice, and the Secretary General of my Department fully informed of matters relating to significant developments in policing and security.

Most recently, and for the Deputy’s information, I met with Garda Commissioner on 16 November last following my return from maternity leave and again on 7 December.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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132. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding of her Department is sufficient for the years 2021 to 2022 to meet all operational activities with particular reference to the deployment of gardaí to areas experiencing high levels of criminal activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60870/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the general administration of An Garda Síochána under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This responsibility includes the allocation of funding in support of all activities, operations and deployment of personnel.

The Deputy may be aware that the budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels. Budget 2022 provides over €2 billion in funding to An Garda Síochána. Since 2016 the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €500m, or 33%. This has enabled 1,400 extra Gardaí to be deployed, as well as continued investment in modern equipment. In addition, we have freed up 800 Gardaí for front line policing work through the recruitment of Garda staff.

As the Deputy may be aware, Covid-19 restrictions on the Garda Training College in Templemore constrained recruitment and training for periods over the last 18 months. However, I am glad to confirm that 385 Gardaí will be recruited this year and the funding provided for next year fully supports the sustained recruitment of Garda members and staff.

In particular, the funding provided includes provision for the recruitment of 800 new Garda recruits and 400 Garda staff in 2022 - an additional 1,200 personnel. The number of new recruits and new Garda staff envisaged means that we are on track to meet the Government’s target of 15,000 sworn members of An Garda Síochána and 4,000 Garda staff as we approach the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Síochána.

This increase in the number of Garda members and staff will deliver significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide and improved services to the public generally. Redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and support roles will also continue next year, thus allowing highly trained Gardaí to focus on frontline policing duties. The organisation's capacity will be further strengthened by the recruitment of additional Garda staff, including specialist roles to support the investigation of crime and enhance the management of the organisation .

Budget 2022 provides an additional €10.5 million for Garda operational expenditure – including provision for new mobile devices, equipment for a range of Garda specialist units and on-going training in relation to priority areas such as tackling sexual, domestic and gender-based violence. It also includes a specific once–off allocation of €1.5 million to mark the centenary of An Garda Síochána in 2022.

Budget 2022 also includes provision for a capital budget of €147 million for An Garda Síochána’s ICT and Building Programme and ongoing investment in the organisation’s transport fleet. An Garda Síochána, recognising the need to be visible and accessible in communities but also conscious of taking proactive actions to reduce their carbon footprint, will purchase an additional 100 mountain bikes and increased numbers of electric vehicles as part of an overall fleet management strategy.

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