Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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906. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be provided to purchase high-powered jet skies for the Garda water unit. [27907/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

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 purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the provision and allocation of all Garda Water Unit resources is under constant review.

I am also advised that there are currently no plans for the provision of jet skis as part of Garda Water Unit operational deployments.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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907. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to purchase unmarked vans attached to Garda public order units. [27908/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 purchase, allocation and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am however advised by the Garda authorities that Garda vehicles, including Garda public order unit vans, are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). I am also advised that the new tender process is being undertaken by the OGP.

The Deputy will be further aware that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.