Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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379. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1231 of 11 September 2023, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44685/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Parliamentary Question No.1231 of 11 September 2023 refers to the amount spent by An Garda Síochána on replacement of ballistic shields in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023.

As the Deputy is aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, which includes the purchase of Garda equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested from the Garda authorities and have been advised that €23,595 (€19,500 + 21% VAT) was spent on the purchase of ballistic shields in 2021.

I am further advised that no ballistic shields were purchased in 2022 and to date in 2023.

However, I can inform the Deputy that Budget 2024 provides for the purchase of over 2,500 units of body armour for An Garda Síochána.