Written answers

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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577. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding is being provided in 2022 for the purchase of additional Garda command control vehicles. [6209/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2022 has allocated €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.

The Deputy will be aware that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, 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 am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 4 Command and Control vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. I am further informed that there is no plan to purchase additional Garda command control vehicles in 2022.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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578. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new contract has been put out to tender recently for the provision of additional unmarked Garda cars. [6210/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase of vehicles and their allocation to Garda units. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

Garda vehicles are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement. The current contract came into effect in November 2020. This contract is effective for a period of two years, with the option of a 12 month extension.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources. I am further advised that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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579. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of high-speed rigid inflatable boats currently in the Garda water unit. [6211/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, 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 am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Water Unit, Operational Support Services is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region, and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and is under the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. The unit provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies.

I am further advised that the unit currently has four Rigid Inflatable Boats, two based in Santry and two based in Athlone.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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580. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of committal warrants issued to gardaí in the Kildare division in 2021; and the number of these warrants that were executed within 28 days. [6212/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing, controlling and generally carrying on the business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 3 February 2022 to identify any Committal Warrant or Estreatment of Bail Committal Warrant issued during 2021 and first received by a station within Kildare Division. I am advised that 73 unique Warrant IDs were identified, 14 of which have a current status of ‘Executed’ and have also recorded an Execution Date within 28 days of Issue Date. I am informed that these figures are operational and liable to change.

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