Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that in the course of investigations into cases of fraud further instances of fraud uncovered are also being thoroughly examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19254/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the conduct of Garda investigations is a matter for the Garda authorities and I, as Minister, do not have a direct role in this regard. However, I am advised that all instances of possible criminal behaviour which come to Garda attention are thoroughly investigated.
Garda measures to combat all forms of crime, including fraud, are supported by enhanced Government investment in policing resources, including a special overtime allocation of €88.5 million in 2017 to support large-scale operations, as well as very significant commitments to upgrade and enhance Garda technology and systems amounting to €330 million between 2016 and 2021, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.
Underpinning all of these measures is the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300, and in this regard I was pleased to be able to launch a new recruitment campaign for Reserve members of An Garda Síochána recently.
