Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy and the people of Dublin that armed support is actually in place, but not by the dedicated unit that will be the armed support unit. The function is currently performed on an overtime basis because it is essential, given the challenges we face, particularly in the north inner city of Dublin and surrounding area. Once the Government had agreed the funding the Garda Commissioner moved as quickly as possible to advertise the positions. There was a very large response that is taking some time to process. The Garda Commissioner informs me that she hopes the Dublin armed response unit will be in place later this year.

In the meantime the resources and people are there to provide the armed response that is needed. As the Deputy has acknowledged, the work is ongoing, crimes have been prevented, investigations are taking place and people are being prosecuted before the courts. I thank the Garda for the work being undertaken by gardaí in the most dangerous situations where there are those who are intent on that cycle of revenge and retaliation.

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