Written answers
Tuesday, 18 April 2023
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1031. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022,by county, in tabular form. [18170/23]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I am very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities and the Government is determined to tackle this issue.
The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), which I am pleased to chair, is examining a broad range of issues to address the factors which give rise to ASB, including knife crime. The knife crime sub-group of the ASB Forum has examined existing data and possible approaches to community responses, as well as the legislative position. I have been briefed on the work of the sub-group and the question of what further measures might be progressed is subject to consultation with relevant stakeholders.
There is also a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. The maximum penalty in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years in an amendment introduced via the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the 2016 - 2018 increase in recorded seizures is due in large part to the introduction of the Property and Exhibit Management System (PEMS) in 2016, which improved the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives. More recently, the increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to COVID-19.
To be of assistance to the Deputy, the Garda Authorities have advised that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 16 March 2023 to identify any object of sub-type ‘knife’ linked as ‘seized’ with any incident reported nationwide since 1 January 2016. The attachment shows the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána by Garda Division.
Figures marked with an asterisk denote incidences of fewer than 10.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1032. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars and vans attached to the Mayo Garda division as of 12 April 2023; if he will provide the same figures as of 31 March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18209/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
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 am however assured 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.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that at 31 March 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,381 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of 7% since end March 2021 when there were 3,156 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of vehicles attached to Mayo at 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2021.
| Mayo | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Others | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2023 | 54 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 69 |
| 31/03/2021 | 49 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 66 |
*The category 'other' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
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.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1033. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding has been provided in 2023 to purchase additional larger horsebox trucks for the Garda mounted unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18211/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy 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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 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 advised there are currently six operational double horse boxes attached to the Garda Mounted Unit and there are presently no plans to purchase another one.
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