Garda chief defends €20 million ICT overspend, says more funding is needed
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly told the Public Accounts Committee that the force’s ICT budget ran €20 million over plan, but he argues the spending is justified and would welcome additional funds.
During a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly disclosed that the force’s information and communications technology budget hit €180 million last year, €20 million above the forecast. He defended the excess as necessary for modern policing, noting rigorous procurement and governance processes and claiming the technology is the envy of many European forces. Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennett challenged the claim, arguing taxpayers expect more visible policing on the streets.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan supported the commissioner, pointing to a series of exceptional security operations, including heightened protest activity and the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The overall Garda budget also exceeded its target by €20.4 million, driven by increased staffing, new vehicles, and other capital purchases. Additional spending items included an unused €248,500 accommodation booking for the 2024 Europa League final and minor travel-claim overpayments totalling about €35,000.
Why it matters
The debate highlights how public funds are allocated to policing technology versus visible street patrols.
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