Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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113. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he was consulted or engaged by Garda management in respect of members of uniformed gardaí in 2021, 2022 and 2023 being deployed in France and in any other European Union member state. [26565/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that request from the authorities, including the French authorities, are regularly discussed with An Garda Síochána. Such requests often involve a temporary assignment of a very small number of Gardaí to work in assisting Irish nationals visiting certain tourists areas during the summer, including France.

I understand the primary purpose of such a deployment to France is to assist French police in dealing with Irish nationals visiting the area. This is similar to arrangements in other areas of France involving the temporary deployment of German, Spanish and Dutch police officers.

If such a request approved, Garda members would patrol in uniform with French police officers and assist in the investigation of complaints by, or offences involving, Irish nationals.

I can assure the Deputy, such assignments are subject to approval by the Irish Government, and no approval has yet been sought.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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114. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify the procedures and protocols that are in place for the deployment and operational use of members of An Garda Síochána outside of this jurisdiction. [26566/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

Where it is proposed by the Garda Commissioner to deploy Garda members abroad, it falls within the statutory framework set out in Section 51 of the Garda Síochána Act (as amended) and as necessary Ministerial or Government approval is sought.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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115. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí and the number of instances in which gardaí were deployed outside of the State in the past five years to date in 2023, in an official and unofficial capacity. [26567/23]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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116. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of police officers and the number instances in which police officers were deployed from outside this jurisdiction inside of this State in the past five years to date in 2023, in an official and unofficial capacity. [26568/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify the procedures and protocols that are in place for the deployment and operational use of police officers from other jurisdictions in this State. [26569/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), including all operational policing matters.

I am advised by An Garda Síochána that foreign police organisations have been given permission to operate in Ireland only in specific circumstances, including:

• Where they are part of protection arrangements for visiting foreign dignitaries;
• Where they are seeking to interview or conduct other police activities such as statement-taking, where a witness or other relevant person may reside in Ireland;
• Where their presence may be in uniform and on official business but relates to invited participation in a community-focused event.