Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
932. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE forensic analysts working in the Garda national economic crime bureau in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased. [28443/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) investigates serious and complex economic crimes. The Bureau operates on a national basis and provides specialist support and guidance to national economic crime investigators. GNECB are assisted by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau in respect of analysis of computers as necessary.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there are currently five forensic accountants and two analysts attached specifically to the GNECB. I am advised that one analyst started in the GNECB in September 2022 and that prior to 2022 there was no analysts specifically attached to the GNECB. I am informed that a second analyst began working in the GNECB earlier this month.
I am also informed that the Garda Síochána Analysis Service provides assistance to sections across the organisation as required.
