Vol. 561 No. 3
169 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Garda overtime has been cut; the measures which he is taking to increase Garda numbers on the street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4161/03]
The 2003 final Estimates, when published, will show a provision of €50 million for Garda overtime. This represents a 16% reduction on the 2002 budget allocation. Part of the 2002 figure reflected a carryover of overtime payments in respect of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. The reduction in the overtime budget reflects a general budgetary policy aimed at securing increased efficiencies in the deployment of Garda resources. I have discussed the management of the overtime budget with the Commissioner and he has put in place financial controls at all levels within the Garda Síochána with a view to obtaining efficiencies and value for money in the use of overtime. Strict monthly profiling of overtime expenditure is now in place.
The current strength of all ranks of The Garda Síochána as at 10 February is 11,849. In April 2000 the Government agreed, inter alia, to a system of delegated authority under which recruitment is carried out to maintain the strength of the force at an agreed level. Last April the Government agreed to increase the approved strength of the force by 200 to 12,200.
My position on the increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is already well known. I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply in this matter to oral Question No. 2 of 6 February.
