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Garda Information and Communications Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Questions (387, 432, 433, 434)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

387. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of his Department’s allocations of €65 million for information and communications technology and €17 million building programme as provided for in budget 2019. [44750/18]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

432. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of the €65 million for the An Garda Síochána information and communications technology capital budget for 2019. [45561/18]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

433. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown the €10 million An Garda Síochána capital budget for 2019. [45562/18]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

434. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of the €65 million An Garda Síochána capital budget for 2019. [45563/18]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 432 to 434, inclusive, together.

The Deputy has asked a number of questions in relation to Garda Síochána capital expenditure.

The Deputy will be aware that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and as such is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at his disposal. Further, the Commissioner is responsible for directing and controlling and managing generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As such, the management of Garda resources are a matter for the Commissioner, in light of his identified operational demands.

The resources available to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2018 of more than €1.6 billion. The allocation to the Garda Vote for 2019 has been further increased to a total of €1.76 billion, representing an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.

The Deputy will be aware that the 2019 allocation includes capital provision of some €92 million, representing an increase of over €30 million as compared to 2018. This will facilitate investment of €65 million in Garda ICT, a further €10 million investment in the Garda fleet and an investment of €17 million in the Garda estate. This capital investment is a key enabler in the ongoing reform programme.

It is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine how these resources can best be deployed. I understand, in that regard, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use.

In general terms, the provision of €65 million for ICT investment will enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community and deliver on reform. I understand from the Garda authorities that the specific list of projects to be undertaken in 2019 has yet to be finalised and as a result it is not possible to provide a list of specific projects at this time.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the budget of €10 million available for the purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2019 will enable the replacement of vehicles reaching end of life or beyond economic repair. While the funds made available are expected to enable an increase in the size of the Garda fleet, I am informed that the specific number of additional vehicles and the mix of types and the fit-out required will be determined by the Commissioner in accordance with operational priorities.

In relation to the Garda estate, the Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the €17 million allocated to the Garda estate will support a number of projects including commencement of works on the new Garda facility at Military Road to replace Harcourt Square, the refurbishment of the Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station (on which works have commenced in 2018), as well as supporting continued progress in delivery of the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021.

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