Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which deficiencies in the technology available to An Garda Síochána have been identified; and the expectation in regard to dealing with any such issues at an early date. [44386/14]
View answer318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the facilities, technology and motorised transport available to An Garda Síochána is in keeping with best international practice; her intention to address any such deficiencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44387/14]
View answer321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate resources remain available, including forensics, to An Garda Síochána to combat criminal gang activity with particular reference to drug gangs and associated gun crime; the extent to which intelligence remains available to the Garda in such circumstances; and if any augmentation is required. [44390/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 318 and 321 together.
Under the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of available Garda resources. This includes personnel, Garda vehicles and the various technologies utilised to support frontline Gardaí and intelligence led operations against organised crime. This process takes account of annual policing priorities determined by me as Minister for Justice in consultation with the Commissioner as provided for under Section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.
The Deputy refers to deficiencies in technology and will be aware that I have clearly signalled in recent days my intention to support the Garda Síochána in their efforts to address such deficits which were identified in the recent Garda Inspectorate report on crime investigation. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the issues raised in the report are widespread, varied and far-reaching and, when taken together with the review of the Garda Síochána under the Haddington Road agreement, will demand significant structural reform within the Garda Síochána. The need for additional resources across a number of areas will be examined within that context. Furthermore, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Commissioner has commenced an in-depth examination of all recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report with a view to determining what can be implemented in the short, medium and long term. I also look forward to the significant contribution to this process of reform that will be made by the new policing authority which is to be established shortly.
Finally, notwithstanding the deficits identified in the Inspectorate's report, there have been recent positive developments with regard to the resources available to An Garda Síochána. An intake of 100 new recruits, including 25 reserve Gardaí, commenced training in September and the process of recruiting 200 additional Gardaí will continue over coming months. An additional investment of €10 million has been secured for the Garda Fleet and the forensic capacity of An Garda Síochána will soon be enhanced by a new national DNA database, which is expected to become operational very shortly.
