Thomas P. Broughan
Question:114 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the Estimate for his Department for 2004. [28229/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.
The Deputy will understand the wide-ranging scope of my Department's activities, all of which are important and require substantial resources. Looking at these activities globally, I am pleased to say that the net provision across the Justice group of Votes is up from €1.731 billion in 2003 to €1.836 billion in 2004, representing an increase of 6.1%.
One of my key priorities in 2004 will be to continue the drive against crime, with a particular focus on organised crime. To achieve this objective I have secured substantial additional funding for the Garda Síochána amounting to an increase of €91 million. Included in this figure is an increase of almost €7 million for Garda overtime which will be used to fund specific anti-crime operations. I have also secured additional funding of almost €7.5 million in the Garda Vote to deal with security operations arising out of the Government's hosting of the EU Presidency in 2004.
The allocation for the Prisons Vote in 2004 is €345.6 million, which is €8.3 million up on 2003, with the Prison Service getting €305.7 million and the probation and welfare service getting €39.8 million. My priority in relation to the Prisons Vote is to eliminate entirely the burden of excessive expenditure on overtime through the introduction of a system of annualised hours. If agreement cannot be reached with the Prison Officers' Association in relation to annualised hours, the Government has decided that specific cost-saving measures will be introduced on a phased basis commencing on 1 January 2004. I am also increasing the number of probation and welfare officers to address the demands placed on the service under the Children Act 2001 where community-based options under the supervision of probation and welfare officers are available to the courts.
In my own Department, the allocation for 2004 is €327.9 million, which is €2.4 million up on 2003. My priorities in this area include, child care –€68 million; asylum and immigration –€36 million; equality –€16 million; civil legal aid –€18 million and the EU Presidency –€3 million. The range of initiatives and activities in this area is quite substantial and I will be happy to elaborate on any specific area of interest to the Deputy.
The allocation for the courts Vote in 2004 is €75.2 million, which is €2.6 million up on 2003. This will allow the Courts Service to continue its courthouse building and refurbishment programme. There is also some additional funding to deal with increased operational costs, including the services of stenographers and interpreters where there has been significant pressure on budgets in recent years.
The Vote of the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds has been increased to €32.65 million, showing a slight increase of €500,000. The Land Registry will be able to continue its modernisation programme, resulting in further improvements in the level of service to the taxpayer.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 82.