asked the Minister for Justice the number of personnel directly involved in monitoring and managing the budgetary allocation to the Garda Síochána for 1988; whether there are adequate financial and management systems in operation in order to ensure the most efficient methods of expenditure of this budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Allocations.
32.
The number of personnel in my Department and the Garda Síochána whose duties include direct responsibility for overall management of the Garda Síochána Vote, 1988, is approximately 20. In addition, every divisional and district officer in the Garda Síochána has responsibility for exercising proper control over expenditure and for ensuring value for money in the use of resources in his area. Furthermore, personnel in departmental and Garda offices, the precise number of whom is not readily available, have financial management functions in relation to particular services provided for in the overall allocation for the Garda Síochána.
I am satisfied that the financial and management systems in operation take full account of the need to ensure that financial resources are utilised as efficiently and effectively as possible. These systems are reviewed from time to time to identify new approaches and possible improvements.