Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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579. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation to the Garda air support unit in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [5511/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing the administration and business of the organisation as well as for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands.  As Minister, I have no role in those matters.

I understand that the Garda Air Support Unit was established in September 1997 and that it currently comprises one fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table details the total expenditure for the Garda Air Support Unit for the period 2019 and 2020.

It is envisaged that the budget allocated to the Garda Air Support Unit for 2021 will be in line with the prior year and will meet all operational requirements.