Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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273. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be provided for the replacement of the three oldest horse trailers attached to the Garda mounted unit. [43963/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 and management of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities 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 Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. There are currently five operational double horseboxes attached to the Garda Mounted Unit, two of which were replaced in 2020. I am informed that there are presently no plans to replace another horsebox unless a need arises.