Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion, increasing to an unprecedented €1.88 billion for 2020. As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation of Garda 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 Uachtaráin, 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 there are currently 13 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit. I am informed that 1 horse retired from Garda Mounted Unit in 2019. I am further informed that efforts are being made by An Garda Síochána to identify 2 suitable horses to bring the Unit up to a strength of 15. I am informed that 2 horses are currently being assessed in that regard, however it should be noted that this assessment process is ongoing and these horses have not at this stage been added to the Unit.

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. 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 there are currently 24 dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit, comprising general purpose (search), drugs and explosive detection dogs. I am further informed that 1 dog was added to the Garda Dog Unit in 2019 and that 4 dogs were withdrawn from the Unit in 2019. It may be noted that the Garda Commissioner has recently indicated to me that he intends for An Garda Síochána to invest in purchasing and training additional dogs next year.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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It is important to be clear that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that to date, Divisional Protective Services Units have been established in 13 locations nationwide, namely Carlow, Cork City, DMR South Central, DMR West, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth and Waterford Garda Divisions as well as the newly established units in DMR East, DMR South and Tipperary which became operational in recent weeks.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following is a current breakdown of the DPSU personnel strength in the requested Divisions

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the strength of the DPSU in Tipperary will be increased in the new year; and that the distribution of resources including personnel is kept under review.