As Deputy Ó Laoghaire will be aware, decisions regarding the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including updating of information and communications technology, ICT, systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I do not have a direct role in the matter. However, the unprecedented investment which is being made by the Government in Garda ICT should be noted.
Some €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the capital plan, is being invested in Garda information and communications technology infrastructure between 2016 and 2021. This will enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in the fight against crime. In addition, this significant investment will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on crime investigation, as mentioned by the Deputy.
I am informed by Garda authorities that, for operational reasons and to safeguard the ability and capacity of An Garda Síochána to investigate online child abuse and exploitation offences, it is not possible to identify the particular information technology systems and tools in use. However, I can tell the House and Deputy Ó Laoghaire that the Garda authorities assure me they are currently satisfied with the IT tools available to investigate online child abuse and child exploitation offences. They will continue to monitor, develop and further invest in what can be described as international best practice. This includes investment in emerging technologies in this regard and working in partnership with other policing services.
More generally, it might be of interest to the House to note that Part 2 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 provides for a range of offences related to the sexual exploitation of children.