Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

539. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the level of firearms training provided to armed Garda personnel in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and the number of gardaí, by rank, with firearms training. [26152/22]

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

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

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

540. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of 800cc and 1200cc motorcycles that are in the Garda fleet as of 17 May 2022, in tabular form. [26153/22]

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

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of motorcycles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. 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 to An Garda Síochána, 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 informed by the Garda authorities that there are 48 1200cc motorcycles and no 800cc motorcycles attached to the Garda fleet at 17 May 2022.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

541. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of evidential breath testing machines allocated to each Garda division as of 1 May 2021 and 17 May 2022, in tabular form. [26155/22]

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

The Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Under this legislation, 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 decisions. 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.

The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows the number of evidential breath testing machines allocated to each Garda Division in the month's requested by the Deputy.

* There are 4 Evidential Breath Testing machines currently allocated to the Meath Division. However, at present only 3 are operational, the machine allocated to Navan Garda Station is in storage while building works are being completed at the station.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

542. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles in the Garda armed support units that were withdrawn from the fleet in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [26156/22]

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 to An Garda Síochána, 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 informed by the Garda authorities that one vehicle was removed from the armed support unit in 2021 and no vehicles have been removed from the unit to date in 2022. I am further informed that  it is intended to add an additional 10 new vehicles to the armed support unit in 2022.

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.

Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

543. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division as of 31 December 2020 and 16 May 2022, in tabular form. [26167/22]

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 for An Garda Síochána, 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 informed by the Garda authorities that there were 30 vehicles assigned to the Garda public order unit on the 19 May 2022. I am further advised that the allocation of these vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.

I am advised that no public order vans were assigned to Cavan/Monaghan Division at 31 December 2020 and 19 May 2022. However, I understand that public order vans are issued as a regional resource and can be moved throughout Divisions as required.

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.