Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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516. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of arrests from Blanchardstown Garda station in 2022, and to-date in 2023, in tabular form [11208/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

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 equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is currently conducting trials with a number of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and there is an internal working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations.

I am further advised that twenty one drones have been procured by the Garda Air Support Unit for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, this information was not received in time, however, I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.