The Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question No. 1215 on 11 September 2023 where he sought the number of full-time forensic accountants working in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in the year 2022 and to date in 2023
I am now advised by the Garda authorities that no full-time forensic accountants worked in Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Unit in 2022 or to date in 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the allocation of resources amongst the various Garda units throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.