FG accuses McDowell of botching Garda budget

Fine Gael TD Jim O'Keefe has accused Justice Minister Michael McDowell of failing to adequately budget for garda overtime this year.

Mr McDowell today announced an extra €4m in funding for overtime during the Christmas period.

Deputy O'Keefe said the minister was trying to present the extra funding as a positive initiative in the fight against crime when, in fact, it highlighted his failure to prepare adequately for spending needs.

"It highlights the fact that the overtime budget has already been utterly exhausted earlier this year by a combination of the EU presidency, the May Day EU accession celebrations and the Bush visit."

Earlier Mr McDowell said the €4m allocation would fund 140,000 hours in additional Garda overtime.

“I have no doubt that this will be of great benefit to Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy in ensuring a high visibility presence of gardaí in our communities between now and the end of the year,” said Minister McDowell.