Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is desirable for each Garda division to have a canine unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21127/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Garda dog unit is a national unit based in Kilmainham Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan region, under the direction and control of the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the national support services and that it currently has a total of 28 dogs.

In 2007, the Garda dog unit attended 543 drug-related incidents nationwide and was available for general patrol duties and covert operations and assisting as a deterrent with public disorder incidents. The Garda dog unit also carried out checkpoint duties involving searches of vehicles and other security-related duties.

Following the successful evaluation of a pilot scheme to establish a Garda dog unit in the southern region, the Garda Commissioner, on 4 April 2008, approved the permanent establishment of a Garda dog unit in the southern region and thereafter in the other Garda regions. The preparation of a fully costed business plan in respect of each region is being addressed and, on receipt of financial approval, it is anticipated that a Garda dog unit will be established in the remaining four regions by mid-2009 and will have a selection of drug, explosive and general purpose dogs.

In the interim, the Garda dog unit based in the Dublin metropolitan region will continue to perform its national brief and respond to requests for operational assistance throughout the country.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I put it to the Minister that he should not underestimate the importance of a canine unit for each Garda division. He should ensure that sufficient resources are made available to allow not only for the training of the dogs for each Garda division but for the location of a dog unit in the headquarters of every Garda division throughout the country. The case for this is overwhelming and must be undertaken.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As I said, the Garda Commissioner has approved the permanent establishment of a Garda dog unit in the southern region and the remaining regions, the south-eastern, the western, the eastern and the northern regions. That will be implemented by 2009. I agree it is necessary for every region to have a dog unit.