Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I refer to Parliamentary Question 134 of 12 June 2019 in relation to the number of bench warrants outstanding in the Coolock Garda district as of 31 May 2019. It was not possible to secure this data in the time available for answer on 6 September however I have now received a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter and I can inform the Deputy as follows.

The Coolock Garda District is based in the DMR North and comprises of Swords, Coolock, and Malahide Garda Stations. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of bench warrants outstanding for the Coolock district as at 31 May 2019 was 2,224.

I am further informed that while the responsibility to execute bench warrants is a function for all members of An Garda Síochána, there is a dedicated warrants unit, which is tasked with monitoring and coordinating the execution of warrants, including bench warrants in the Coolock Garda District.

I have been further informed that there were 686 bench warrants executed in the 12 month period up to the 31st May, 2019 in Coolock district.  I understand this represents a 4% increase on the previous year.  I am informed that An Garda Síochána executes warrants as expeditiously as possible, giving priority to the execution of warrants relating to serious crimes. The execution of bench warrants continues to be monitored by the Garda authorities.