Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019
348. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the 2019 budget for Garda training and development and incidental expenses is only €11.527 million compared with the 2018 budget which was €23.079 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28165/19]
View answerThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made in Garda ICT, the Garda fleet and the Garda estate. In total, the Garda capital allocation has increased from €61 million to €92 million in 2019, which represents a 50% increase.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and civilian staff. The Commissioner is also responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the budget for training and development is no longer included in the budget for incidental expenses. Training and development expenditure is now included under the Garda College subhead.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the budget for training and development in 2018 was €31.8 million. The budget for training and development for 2019 is €37.6 million, which is an increase of €5.8 million.
