Vol. 566 No. 3
141 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that Garda budgets for 2003 are adequate, having regard to reports that a number of Garda divisions are facing serious problems as a result of major security operations exhausting their operational budgets. [12765/03]
The published revised 2003 Estimates determined the total amount of funds available for the Garda Vote. It is a matter for Garda management to determine the allocation of funds to Garda divisions. Notwithstanding the pressures placed upon divisional budgets arising from major security operations, the Garda Síochána is obliged to manage the resources at their disposal to ensure that the Garda Vote remains within the Estimates envelope.
The Garda Síochána has been provided with an annual budget of €964 million for 2003 representing an increase of over 60% on the 1997 budget allocation.
I have previously commented as to the adequacy of the provision of Garda resources this year, and has stated that the priority will be to maintain the existing level of front line policing services to the public by focusing on key services, increasing efficiency and getting best value for money.
