Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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515. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding has been secured to purchase additional drones for use by An Garda Síochána in 2024. [54471/23]

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 the tendering for, and purchase of equipment. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána. I have been advised that the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is a national resource based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. The unit is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. The unit provides a 24-hour proactive and reactive service in support of operational Gardaí on the ground and specialist units.

The Garda authorities have also advised me that GASU is currently continuing ongoing trials with a number of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and there is an internal Garda working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations. The working group is chaired by Superintendent, Operational Support Services under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime.

I am informed that 21 drones have been procured by GASU for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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516. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the additional funding that has been provided for overtime to gardaí within the DMR over the Christmas-New Year period. [54472/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Earlier this year I announced a further €10 million for Garda overtime in Dublin. This additional allocation is being spent, to provide consistent high visibility policing in the capital.

The allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 includes provision for a 25% increase in the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána, to €131 million from €105 million, which will allow for continued for high visibility policing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Dublin and across the country.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner is also the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under the Act, and is responsible for the economy and the efficiency of the Garda Síochána in using its resources. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the 2023 overtime budget covers 13 four week rosters from 25 December 2022 to 26 November 2023. Overtime worked over the Christmas and New Year Period in 2023 will be paid from the 2024 overtime budget allocation.

I am also advised by An Garda Síochána that detailed information relating to Garda overtime expenditure is publicly available up until Q3 of 2023 at the following link:

www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/freedom-of-information/publication-scheme/budgets-and-spending/overtime-reports.html

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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517. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the last time the stables at the Garda mounted unit were refurbished. [54473/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including matters relating to the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Mounted Unit paddocks were refurbished in 2022. This involved the supply and installation of new fencing, posts and gates and the removal of the existing fencing.

I am further advised that the Garda authorities are currently engaged with the Office of Public Works in relation to the provision and installation of a shed at the paddock area and the provision and installation of a covered lunge area with lighting for all weather use.