Written answers
Tuesday, 27 June 2023
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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465. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of incidents that the Garda armed support unit was requested to attend in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30673/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are unable to disclose details in respect of the Armed Support Unit, due to the impact on operational effectiveness and security. Therefore I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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466. 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 during Quarter 3 this year. [30674/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 procurement of vehicles for the Garda fleet. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that all Garda vehicles, including Garda Roads Policing Vehicles are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement.
I am further advised that the current contract for the purchase of Garda Roads Policing Vehicles is in place until 24 November 2024 with the option to extend for a further period of 12 months.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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467. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of training an extra 750 gardaí in public order level 2 training in 2023. [30675/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.
I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that Public Order Operator Level 2 training is delivered at a Regional level within An Garda Síochána. The information requested by the Deputy is not available as there are too many variables to consider, such as location of training, number of members per location, cost of trainers, overtime costs to release members for training, travel and subsistence etc.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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468. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount An Garda Síochána has spent on vehicular recovery services within the DMR north division in 2022 and to date in 2023; the name of the company awarded the contract; when this current contract is due to expire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30676/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 procurement of services required by An Garda Síochána to perform its function of keeping people safe. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised of the following information.
Gannon’s City Recovery was awarded the contract for the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North towing service for the period requested. The below outlines the expenditure for towing services in DMR North.
| 2022 | €486,153.81 |
|---|---|
| 2023* | €439,553.68 |
The current contract commenced 1 July 2022 for a 5 year term.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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469. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the percentage of Garda personnel authorised to carry tasers when on duty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30677/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
The Government is also committed to ensuring Garda members have the resources they need to perform their vital roles in the community in a safe manner. An extra €6 million was allocated for new ballistic vests to protect frontline Gardaí, €11 million for new Garda mobile devices, apps and specialist equipment and a further €3 million to start procurement for body warn cameras.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that tasers are only issued to members of An Garda Síochána in specialist firearms and protection units. I hope the Deputy will appreciate, for security reasons, An Garda Síochána cannot release the exact number currently authorised to carry Tasers.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, which is reflected in an allocation of over €2 billion under Budget 2023.
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