Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
510. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardai by rank attached to each of the four National Cyber Crime Bureau satellite hubs as of 23 April 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19106/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to taking measures to combat and prevent cybercrime.
There is close cooperation across the whole of Government on this issue, including between An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and to thank the highly skilled Gardaí first hand for the very important work they do.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. The 2024 allocation provides a budget of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, representing a 25% increase since 2020. This unprecedented budget will strengthen the work of specialist units within An Garda Síochána such as the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.
As part of Budget 2024's unprecedented allocation, €155 million has been allocated for digital capital investment and IT. I am satisfied that the Cybercrime Bureau are constantly developing their expertise and capability in this vital field and the tools they are currently deploying are cutting edge. Crucially they also cooperate closely with overseas partners in combatting this borderless crime.
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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and Garda Staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
To be of assistance to the Deputy I sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and have been informed that, as of 26 April 2024, the four Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau Satellite Hubs are staffed as follows:
• Galway – 1 Detective Sergeant, 6 Detective Gardaí
• Wexford – 1 Detective Sergeant, 5 Detective Gardaí
• Cork – 1 Detective Sergeant, 7 Detective Gardaí
• Mullingar – 5 Detective Gardaí
I am advised that the Detective Sergeant position in Mullingar is currently vacant and members are supervised by a Detective Sergeant based in Dublin.
