The 2016 Budget allocation of €1.5 billion for An Garda Síochána includes over €67 million in additional funding which, in addition to the recruitment of new trainee Gardaí, also provides additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government recently approved some €55 million, based on estimates provided by Garda management, to maintain the necessary policing response to tackle gangland and associated crime. This will allow for:
- concentrated policing targeting gang related crime;
- the continued intensive and strategic targeting of burglaries and related crime through ongoing support for Operation Thor; and
- continued support for measures against terrorism.
The Deputy will also be aware of the significant funding of some €46 million for the Garda Fleet and the €205 million investment in Garda ICT under the Capital Plan.
In addition, the Government is committed to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
I am determined to ensure that An Garda Síochána continues to be sufficiently resourced to meet the many challenges with which it is faced.