Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
794. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the reduction of €62 million in his Department's planned expenditure for 2013 over the previous year, if he will provide assurances that the objectives contained in the 2013 policing plan remain realistic, deliverable and affordable; if he will explain how so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1412/13]
View answerDue to the very difficult financial situation, it has been necessary to reduce the funding available to the Justice Vote Group in 2013 by €62m. However, it is of course the case that the gross expenditure budget for the Vote Group in the current year will be over €2.26 billion and this demonstrates the Government's very strong on-going commitment to the Justice Sector.
With regard specifically to the Garda Policing Plan for 2013, the position is that the Plan is based on a number of strategic goals and at its heart is the Garda Síochána's primary objective of combating crime as well as ensuring that people are safe in their communities and on the roads. Copies of the Plan were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 5 December 2012.
One of the key elements of the 2013 Plan is that it sets out proposals for continuing the process of restructuring the way in which Garda services are organised and delivered, with the objective of enhancing the efficiency of the Force at a time of financial constraint. This copperfastens the commitment of the Commissioner, who is responsible for operational Garda matters, to smart policing, using available resources effectively and ensuring that the maximum number of Garda personnel are available for front-line policing.
In that overall context I believe that the objectives set out in the Garda Policing Plan for 2013 will be achieved and that, despite the pressure on the public finances, it will be possible for the Force to operate to the optimum benefit of our communities in a manner that will facilitate the presence of operational Gardaí on patrol preventing and detecting crime.
