Bodies welcome technology plans

THE main Garda representatives bodies have broadly welcomed budget plans to create a “hi-tech” police force and boost Garda numbers.

But both the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said they would reserve final judgment on funding for a national digital radio system, for which they say they have been waiting 10 years.

The total Department of Justice budget rose by 10% to €2.7 billion, including an 11% rise in the Garda budget to €1.6bn, an 11% rise in the prison package to €394 million and a 7% increase in the probation budget to €500m.