Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

693. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the individual who is responsible for allocating specific Garda resources to an area on a given day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40043/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 distribution of Gardaí throughout the country.

I am, however, assured by An Garda Síochána that the distribution of resources is kept under constant review to ensure their best use. The Garda Síochána Analysis Service assists with data analysis to monitor crime trends and geo-map locations and times of crimes, to optimise the planned use of resources to combat crime.

The Deputy may be aware that a number of actions are in progress under A Policing Service For Our Future, the Government's implementation plan for the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland Report.

Rollout by the Garda Commissioner of the new Garda Operating Model is well underway, with seven of the now 21 divisions rolled out so far.

The model is designed to make changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána to provide for more frontline Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.

Each Division will, for the first time, have a Superintendent dedicated to Crime, a Superintendent dedicated to Governance and Performance Assurance, and a number of Superintendents in charge of Community Engagement. Each Community Engagement Superintendent will be responsible for community engagement, crime prevention, incident investigation, victim support, incident response, general visibility, engagement policing and community policing activities.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

695. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to have 1400cc motorcycles in use in the Garda fleet; and the number of moped bikes in the fleet. [40118/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 and allocation of Garda vehicles.

However, I am assured that the number and types of vehicles procured by An Garda Síochána is based on identified operational needs, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 14 September there are no moped bikes in the Garda fleet. I am also advised that there are currently no plans to have 1400cc motorcycles in use in the Garda Fleet.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

696. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of stables currently in use in the Garda mounted unit; and if there are any stables not being used but are available to be used in the Garda mounted unit. [40119/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 independent functions.

I am advised that there are 15 stables in the Garda Mounted Unit facility in Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park.

Two other locations are occasionally utilised by the Garda Mounted Unit when on extended patrols in Dublin City Centre and the horses require rest or feeding.

They are the Landmark Trust Mews, Merrion Square, (two standing stalls and two stables) and Dublin Castle (two standing stalls).