Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Resources

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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285. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation to the Garda air support unit in each of the years 2016 to 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5434/19]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement and provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.

An allocation of €1.76 billion has been provided by Government to An Garda Síochána for 2019. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.

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 resources, in light of his identified operational demand. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that expenditure for the Garda Air Support Unit from 2016 to 2018 is outlined in the following table.

Year Expenditure
2016€ 3,054,524
2017€ 3,085,000
2018€ 3,714,276

Finally, I understand that expenditure for the Garda Air Support Unit amounted to €203,693 in January 2019. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is envisaged the budget allocated to the Garda Air Support Unit for 2019 will be in line with previous years.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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286. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation to the Garda mounted unit in each of the years 2016 to 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5435/19]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles 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, including the resources allocated from the Garda Vote to the Garda Mounted Unit. 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 am informed by the Garda authorities that the total expenditure for the Garda Mounted Unit from 2016 to 2018 is outlined in the following table.

Year Expenditure
2016€ 1,066,858
2017€ 1,244,399
2018€ 1,209,902

Finally, I understand that expenditure for the Garda Mounted Unit amounted to €111,362 in January 2019. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is envisaged that the budget allocated to the Garda Mounted Unit for 2019 will be in line with previous years.

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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287. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the six additional protective services units scheduled for delivery by the end of quarter 4 2018 have been established in DMR south central, Waterford, Kerry, Kilkenny, Carlow, Limerick and Galway Garda divisions; the status of the appointment or assignment of the full personnel complement for each unit, and the status of the completion of the necessary accommodation allocations and refurbishments and the full complement of office equipment in each unit. [5521/19]

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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288. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the delivery schedule for the remaining divisional protective services units by division name and the date by which each unit is due to be delivered, in tabular form. [5522/19]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

The information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided in the time available. I have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.

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