Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
515. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to provide funding for the appointment of additional full-time forensic accountants for the Garda bureau of fraud investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1497/16]
View answerUnder 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 front-line 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 Garda Commissioner as provided for under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005. With the establishment of the Policing Authority on 1 January future priorities will of course be determined by that body in consultation with the Commissioner and with the consent of the Minister in accordance with section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended.
The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) currently has two full-time Forensic Accountants (Garda II level) working alongside both sworn and unsworn members of An Garda Síochána at the Bureau.
I am informed by the Commissioner that Garda personnel and resources assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed and is determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and as the policing needs of each individual division dictates. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
