Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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440. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the level of funding provided to Frontex, the European border guard agency, in the years of 2021, 2022 and 2023; and the proposed funding for 2024. [42388/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I should first of all state that Ireland is not a member of Frontex. Ireland, as an EU Member State, is invited to participate at its Management Board in a non-voting capacity and can, should it wish to do so, seek to participate in certain training and joint operations co-ordinated by Frontex on behalf of EU Member States.

Frontex facilitates training across Frontex member states and Ireland in areas such as the use of IT systems, escort leaders in return operations, escort officers in return operations and detection of false documents. These courses seek to establish a standardisation of processes, and Ireland’s participation ensures that it is in a position to maintain or exceed these standards in both national and joint operations. It is in the interests of all policing organisations to maintain an awareness of new developments and international best practice and to be outward looking in seeking to avail themselves of such opportunities.

Frontex offers a valuable resource to An Garda Síochána in fields relevant to its own operational areas of interest and, in that context, it must be accepted that costs will reasonably be incurred by An Garda Síochána in relation to participation in these activities.

As part of its engagement with Frontex, An Garda Síochána estimates annually the cost of its participation in such activities. I have sought the most up to date information from An Garda Síochána in this regard, and will contact the Deputy again when this is to hand.