Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

385. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and location of Garda forensic collision investigators; when the last competition for new forensic collision investigators was held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21895/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

386. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of public order training courses held for gardaí within the Dublin Metropolitan Region, DMR, north division in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21896/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including training of personnel. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.

The figures in the table below have been supplied to me by Garda Authorities.

For clarification, the DMR Region provided fourteen Level 2 recertification courses wherein the DMR North were allocated places on each course.

*I am advised that the Garda National Public Order Unit Level 2 training for 2022 has not begun but plans are in place for training to commence in Q3 2022.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

387. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding has been made available to replace any of the helicopters or aircraft in the Garda air support unit during 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21897/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.

I can advise the Deputy that while no funding has been made available to replace any of the helicopters or aircraft within the Garda Air Support Unit during 2022, the requirements in this regard are kept under ongoing review in the context of the investment being made in An Garda Síochána and the Commissioner's operational priorities, as well as overall planning for capital expenditure under the National Development Plan.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

388. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and percentage of the Garda fleet within the Waterford division that are aged less than one year, between one and three years, three to six year, six to ten years, and over ten years of age as of 22 April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21898/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the Waterford Divisional fleet by age.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.