Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
559. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the amount invested in Garda IT infrastructure in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42524/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána, and is responsible for the Garda budget. The Government is committed to providing the Commissioner with the resources he needs, and Garda funding has increased by over €500m (up 27% since 2020), bringing the total for the 2025 Budget to €2.48 billion.
I have enacted legislation and provided resources so that An Garda Síochána can develop the ICT systems and tools to allow them to deliver an effective policing service. Sustained investment in An Garda Síochána has allowed for the roll-out of the proof of concept for body worn cameras in Waterford, Limerick and Dublin City Centre.
Also, all Garda members now have mobile devices with real-time access to apps eliminating paperwork and allowing Gardaí to carry out their front-line duties far more efficiently. Garda ACTIVE Mobility apps allow members to access their email on the move, check a vehicle’s history and tax status, and enables them to work more efficiently with local business and community groups.
Furthermore, the organisation’s new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, GardaSAFE, is now operational across all regions. The modern policing tools within this system allow call takers and dispatchers to deliver enhanced support to responders, supporting them in their mission to keep the public safe.
I can advise the Deputy that the table below sets out the ICT Capital spend from 2016. Please note the figure for this year is up to 16 October. The figures reflect the amount spent on IT infrastructure, as opposed to consumables, for each year.
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
|
2016 |
31,774,000 |
|
2017 |
39,935,000 |
|
2018 |
42,954,000 |
|
2019 |
59,300,000 |
|
2020 |
74,344,000 |
|
2021 |
76,072,000 |
|
2022 |
89,662,000 |
|
2023 |
101,986,000 |
|
2024 |
81,379,000 |
