Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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236. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the provision of structures at locations (details supplied) by the OPW will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9666/19]

Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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263. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a project (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9665/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 263 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and has a national remit. I am pleased to confirm that dog units have also been established in the Southern Region based at Togher Garda Station, Cork, and Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick. I understand that facilities for a future regional dog unit have also been included in the Western Region Garda Headquarters, Galway.

I am informed that as at January 2019, 25 dogs were attached to the Garda Dog Unit, comprising general purpose (search), drugs and explosive detection dogs, of which 20 dogs were located in the DMR and 5 were located in the Southern Region.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is currently examining options for the provision of kennelling facilities for the Garda Dog Unit and that when the optimum solution is identified and finalised, bearing in mind factors including suitability, delivery and cost, the necessary arrangements will be made to progress the matter.