Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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138. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide funding for the purchase of unmarked vehicles for the Garda Síochána dog unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33783/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources.

In that context I am informed by the Commissioner that there are currently twelve vehicles allocated to the Unit, including three new vehicles allocated in 2014. As it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to only use marked vans for the Garda Dog Unit there are no plans to purchase unmarked vans for this Unit. I am further advised by the Garda Authorities that the current fleet of vans allocated to the Dog Unit meets all of their operational requirements.