Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

224. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of bomb detection dogs currently active and at the disposal of An Garda Síochána in Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43522/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will appreciate that the provision and allocation of resources for An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. 

The policing and security of Dublin Airport is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána along with other law enforcement agency stakeholders each of whom has a specific role to play in ensuring airport security.

I understand from the Garda authorities that a comprehensive Policing Plan is in place for Dublin Airport and has been developed with all security agencies operating at the Airport to deliver a co-ordinated response to security.

I further understand that there are currently 23 dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit, comprising general purpose (search), drugs and explosive detection dogs.  For security and operational reasons, An Garda Síochána has advised that information in relation to the number of specific detection dogs and their locations is not made public.