Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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428. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding has been provided for the purchase of additional state-of-the art drones for use by An Garda Síochána. [32316/23]

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 tendering for, and purchase of, equipment for the service. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am advised that the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is a national resource based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin and is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. The unit provides a 24-hour proactive and reactive service in support of operational Gardaí on the ground and specialist units.

The Garda authorities have advised me that GASU is currently continuing ongoing trials with a number of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and there is an internal Garda working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations. The working group is chaired by Superintendent, Operational Support Services under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime. 21 drones have been procured by GASU for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is envisaged that the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill will provide a legal basis for the wider operational deployment of drones by An Garda Síochána in future.

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 operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am advised that Operation Canter was established in November 2019 to target drug dealing, criminality and anti-social behaviour in the areas of Sherriff Street, Amiens Street, Gloucester Place, Rutland Street, Summerhill Parade, Sean O' Casey Avenue, Matt Talbot Court, Ballybough Road and East Wall, Dublin 3. Operation Canter is an ongoing, active operation.

I understand that Operation Canter comprises two Sergeants and 10 Gardaí, seconded from Store Street and Mountjoy Garda Stations, and the operation is supported by members attached to the Community Policing Unit, the Divisional Drugs Unit, District Detective Unit, Divisional Traffic Unit, Core Units, the Criminal Intelligence Office and Criminal Assets Profiling Unit.

An Garda Síochána continues to positively engage with key stakeholders such as the Local Community Safety Partnership, Dublin City Council, and various Youth Diversion Projects such as SWAN, Belvedere Youth Club, Ballybough Youth Project, and is the lead agency in the ongoing successful ‘Bridge Project’ to tackle anti-social behaviour at the Samuel Beckett and other bridges crossing the River Liffey during the summer months.

Finally, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and a number of priority actions are contained in the Programme for Government and Justice Plan 2023 to reduce instances of such behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. Justice Plan 2023, published earlier this year, will continue my Department’s focused commitment to working with An Garda Síochána, local communities and wider society to eliminate such behaviour and support community safety into the future.

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 operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am, however, advised by the Garda authorities that Operation Irene is implemented every year throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region. For 2023, the Operation runs from 1 June to 31 August.

I am further advised that this is a multi-agency operation with the key objective to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour, combat underage alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol. The aim of the operation is to enhance community safety and confidence.

An Garda Síochána works in conjunction with the various Local Authorities across Dublin and other stakeholders including the transport authorities, local resident associations and local businesses to identify key areas where people congregate during the summer months. These areas are policed by both high visibility patrols and plain clothes Gardaí to ensure the public’s safety and peaceful enjoyment of local amenities.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that specific details in relation to this operation are not disclosed for operational reasons.