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

188. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding has been secured in 2023 to increase the number of horses in the garda mounted unit. [11703/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The Commissioner, as the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under the Act, is also responsible for the economy and the efficiency of the Garda Síochána in using its resources.

The Deputy will further be aware that funding for the Garda Vote is sought as part of the usual budgetary process. Budget 2023 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2.14 billion of funding to the Garda Vote.

The Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras An Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. I am informed that there are currently 12 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit.

I am further advised that funding is made available to purchase horses as the need arises when a horse is retired and a new one is required.

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

189. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the current contract for the provision of garda public order unit equipment and uniform is due to expire. [11704/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As you will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources. I have no direct role in these matters.

I have been informed by Garda authorities that the current contracts for the provision of Garda public order unit equipment and uniform are due to expire on 1 December 2023.

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

190. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the dates to date in 2023, when new recruits entered the Garda College. [11705/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources they need to carry out their vital service. This level of funding will support the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members and 400 new Garda staff this year.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

The first intake of new trainees into the Garda College in 2023 was on 20 February. The next intake scheduled to take place in May.