Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
314. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation to the Garda witness protection programme in each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23282/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 An Garda Síochána, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 and investment of €46 million in the Garda fleet over the same period.
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 and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the budget allocation to the Garda Witness Protection Programme for each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 was €1,198,000.
