Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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256. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional horse boxes purchased in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 for the Garda mounted support unit; the number withdrawn from the fleet during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3929/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras an Uachtarain, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. The unit has a national remit under the direction and control of the Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing and Major Event Management and the operational control of the Superintendent, Operational Support Services.

I understand from the Garda authorities that there are currently four double horse box trailers attached to the Garda Mounted Unit. I further understand that there were no horse box trailers purchased or withdrawn during 2016 – 2018 or to date in 2019.