Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1183. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of scramblers and quad bikes seized by gardaí to date in 2023. [38430/23]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is 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, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 29 quad bikes and 69 scramblers have been seized by the Garda authorities in 2023. I am advised that these figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2023 up to 31 August 2023.

The information provided is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 6 September 2023 and is liable to change.

Vehicles seized or detained include, but are not exclusively, those seized or detained under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended).

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1184. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the Meath divisional drugs unit as of 24 August 2023; and if she will provide the corresponding figures as of 1 March 2022, in tabular form. [38431/23]

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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner in such matters.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of in excess of €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

This level of funding provides for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.

I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 July 2023, there were 6 members assigned to the Meath Divisional Drug Unit; 1 Inspector, 1 Sergeant and 4 Gardaí. It may interest the Deputy to note that as of 28 February 2022, there were 5 members assigned to the Meath Divisional Drug Unit; 1 Sergeant and 4 Gardaí. I can also advise the Deputy that since 2015, there has been a 14% increase in overall Garda members assigned to Meath, from 277 to 318 as of July this year.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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1185. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda stations that currently have a defibrillator located within the station, in tabular form. [38476/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.