Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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523. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new contract for the provision of new Garda roads policing unit vehicles will be put out to tender before Easter. [10176/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, 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 administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that the Office of Government Procurement are responsible for tenders relating to An Garda Síochána vehicles.

I understand that the Office of Government Procurement has entered into a contract for the supply of roads policing vehicles for a period of 24 months due to expire on 24 November 2024, with the option to extend for a further period of 12 months. I also understand that there is no plan for a new contract to be put out to tender before Easter.

I understand that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.

I am also assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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524. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 512 of 14 February 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer. [10177/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Questions No. 283 of 15 December 2022 and No. 512 of 14 February 2023, which asked for 'the number of full-time senior investigating officers; and the total full-time equivalent of each child protection unit since 2019’.

In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.

As the Deputy will recall, I sought the information required and I am informed by the Garda authorities that this information is not readily available and is currently being collated. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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525. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the tender for the contract for the replacement of aircraft and helicopters for the Garda air support unit has been completed. [10178/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.

I can, however, advise the Deputy that prior information notices (PINs) in respect of this procurement procedure, and the details of the aircraft being sought, have been published on the eTenders website. A tender in respect of these aircraft has not issued and a contract has not been awarded to date.