Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner may provide and charge for police services, including for events on private property or in areas open to the public.

Examples of the types of events for which police services may be provided under this section include:

(a) sports fixtures;

(b) concerts;

(c) festivals and exhibitions;

(d) meetings and conferences;

(e) the making of films, videos, television programmes and advertisements;

(f) appearances by individuals or groups of individuals likely to attract large numbers of people.

To be of assistance, I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the current sum on record as owed to An Garda Síochána relating to such services for 2022 is just over €498,000.

I am also advised that invoices and reminders are issued on a regular basis for all outstanding sums, however, this is a matter for the Commissioner who is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the 2005 Act.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In Budget 2024, as part of the €2.3 Billion Garda Budget the Government provided funding for a new national centre of excellence in Dublin for the Garda Dog Unit, with the planned expansion to all Garda regions on a phased basis involving 50 handlers with access to 100 dogs of different capabilities

While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters, I can confirm that this planned expansion will extend to all Garda regions on a phased basis and will include 50 handlers with access to 100 dogs of different capabilities.

I am advised that the requirements for such a centre are currently under consideration by An Garda Síochána.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time.I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.