Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
55. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice the plans for adequate resourcing of frontline gardaí in the context of the recent upsurge in criminal offences such as burglaries and assaults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/23]
View answerI am sure the Deputy will agree that the public is immensely grateful to An Garda Síochána for their outstanding dedication and commitment and for the important role that they play in our society. I am pleased to note the consistently high levels of public trust recorded in our Gardaí.
The unprecedented funding of over €2.24 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring Gardaí have the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel they need to carry out their vital work.
The funding includes a capital allocation of €183 million which is primarily comprised of €100 million for much needed Garda ICT, €50 million for the capital building and refurbishment programme, €10 million for transport and funding for the replacement helicopter and fixed wing aircraft.
I am pleased that the funding for 2023 provides for recruitment of a further 1,000 and an additional 400 Garda staff to free up more Gardaí for front-line duties.
The organisation’s capacity will be further strengthened by the recruitment of additional Garda staff, including to specialist roles, to support the investigation of crime and enhance the management of An Garda Síochána.
This year we see €6 million available for new ballistic vests to protect our front-line Gardaí and €3 million to support the introduction of body worn cameras.
There will also be €5.5 million for Garda operational expenditure including provision for new mobile devices, equipment for a range of Garda specialist units as well as, importantly, ongoing training in regard to priority areas, including tackling sexual, domestic and gender-based violence.
Coupled with further reassignments of Gardaí to operational frontline policing and the continued roll out of the new Operating Model with its core focus on community policing, I am confident that the Commissioner has the resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
