Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which various cold cases continue to receive attention; if he remains satisfied with the adequacy of resources available in respect of such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30001/18]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved including the identification of evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.
I am further advised that at the conclusion of each review by the SCRT, a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision and allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team in the light of identified operational demands. However, all Garda activities, including the investigation of unsolved cases, will benefit from the very significant investments which have been made in policing resources - all of which will support enhanced investigation and detection of crime, and benefit ongoing investigations.
Indeed, some €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017. €98.5m has been provided for Garda overtime for 2018, which represents an increase of €10 million over the initial allocation for 2017 (which amounted to €88.5 million). In November 2017, the Minister for Justice and Equality secured a supplementary estimate of some €42 million for Garda overtime, bringing the spend for 2017 to over €130 million. This compares to a spend in previous years of €91 million in 2016, €56 million in 2015 and some €37.7 million in 2014.
