Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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890. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount An Garda Síochána has spent on vehicular recovery services within the Kildare Garda division in 2021 and to date in 2022; the name of the company that was awarded the contract to provide this service; and when this current contract is due to expire. [55517/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for decisions in relation to the management of the Garda Vote. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in such matters.

However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that €326,784.95 was spent on vehicular recovery services in the Kildare Division in 2021. I understand that €239,146.44 has been spent to date in 2022.

I am also informed that Corcoran Recovery Services, of Naas, Co. Kildare currently hold the contract for vehicular recovery services in the Kildare Division. I am advised that the current contract came into effect in August 2021 and will expire in August 2025. 

I am further advised that the figures provided are for expenditure on vehicular recover services only, and do not include storage costs.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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891. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested and charged with offences under Operation Preacher to date; and the number of successful convictions obtained to date. [55518/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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892. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí within the Kildare division who successfully completed the method of entry course in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the duration of this course. [55519/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the training of members. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in such matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that no Gardaí in the Kildare Division have completed the Method of Entry course in 2021 and to date in 2022. 

However, I understand that in 2021, a total of 14 Gardaí attached to the Newbridge Armed Support Unit, Kildare (Regional Unit) completed a 1 day Method of Entry recertification course.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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893. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be provided for the purchase of additional horses for the Garda mounted unit in 2023. [55520/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed that the Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and has a national remit. 

I am advised that there are currently 13 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit. I am further advised that horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit are purchased as the need arises, specifically when replacing existing horses who are retired from service. I am informed that there is currently no such requirement for extra funding for the purchase of additional horses, at this time, although this is and will continue to be kept under review.