Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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602. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time forensic speech analysts employed by An Garda Síochána. [17719/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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603. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all Garda members attached to community policing units have been issued with state-of-the-art frontline mobile devices. [17720/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the allocation and distribution of resources. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a total of 4875 mobility devices have been issued to frontline personnel in An Garda Síochána, with 550 devices issued directly by the National Community Engagement Bureau to community policing members.

I am informed that the mobility devices have been rolled out nationally to community policing personnel as well as roads policing, Juvenile Liaison Officers and Family Liaison Officers. I am advised that the Garda Mobility Programme is continuing across the organisation with the ultimate aim to provide all frontline members with mobility devices. The planned delivery of the Mobility Programme will continue throughout 2022.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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604. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the capital funding allocated to the Garda small capital works budget in 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [17721/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

The resources provided by the Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2022 in funding. 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. This is a significant increase on the €116.5 million provided last year.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is addressing deficiencies in the Garda estate and providing fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them. The programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and includes substantial works at over 30 locations nationwide as well as other works such as cell refurbishment at over 100 locations.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Capital Refurbishment Subhead in the Garda Vote refers to Small Capital Projects with a value between €75,000 to €2,500,000. These projects are works to Garda Stations and premises across the Estate. The works are managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, and funded by An Garda Síochána.

I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the table below shows the Capital Refurbishment expenditure for 2020 and 2021, and the budget for 2022.

A new Garda Building and Refurbishment programme 2022-2030 is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with OPW and officials from my Department.