Written answers

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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557. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all Garda stations within DMR have stand-alone computers for Garda members to view CCTV; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54906/23]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the provision of equipment and the allocation of resources to a given Division, District or Station. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are facilities available to all Garda Stations, whether standalone or otherwise, which can be utilised by Gardaí viewing CCTV.

I am further advised that members in the DMR are not impeded in their criminal enquiries or investigations by a lack of standalone computers on which to view CCTV. Since the Covid-19 pandemic there was a significant increase in the allocation of official issue laptops to members of An Garda Síochána in the DMR.

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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558. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation for the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations in 2022 and 2023; the budget for same in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54907/23]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024, a 23% increase since 2020, allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.

As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 (1) (b) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána. Decisions on future allocations and spending in relation to Garda units are under the Commissioner's remit. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a figure for the budget allocation for the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations. This unit is part of the Organised and Serious Crime Branch and does not have a specific overall budget allocated to it.

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