Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
211. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the transport budget allocation to An Garda Síochána in 2022 and 2023; and the expected transport budget that is being provided to An Garda Síochána in 2024. [45419/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, funding for An Garda Síochána is provided through Vote 20, the Garda Vote and is not accounted under my Department's Vote. The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and is accountable for the economy and the efficiency of the Garda Síochána in using its resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can however assure the Deputy 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 €2.31 billion to the Garda Vote for 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
The 2024 budget includes provision for:
• Recruitment of between 800 and 1,000 new Garda recruits and 250 additional Garda staff.
• 25% increase in the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána – to €131m from €105m - for high visibility policing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
• Supporting Garda recruitment with 66% increase in training allowance which rises to €305 per week.
• €6m provided for Garda well-being initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
The Deputy may also be aware that I allocated an additional €1.2 million to An Gardaí Síochána earlier this year for mobile safety camera deployments and monitoring hours for the duration of 2023. This additional funding will see GoSafe provide an extra 1,500 hours of monitoring every month until the end of the year, a 20% increase.
I can inform the Deputy that €31.278 million has been allocated against the Transport Subhead of the Garda Vote for 2024, up almost 10 per cent since 2020. This subhead includes funding for maintenance, running expenses and capital investment. I can also inform the Deputy that the allocation for 2023 was €30.554 million and €32.554 million in 2022.
