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, as well as for decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review, in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. Budget 2024 provides a budget of €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána – this is a 23% increase since 2020. This funding will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

There are currently around 14,000 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of around 9% since 2015. 388 new Gardaí attested in 2023 and were allocated to Garda stations nationwide. The Deputy may also be interested to know that 746 trainee Gardaí entered Templemore in 2023, the highest number to enter Templemore since 2018.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that at the end of December 2023 there were 392 Garda members assigned to Louth Division, which represents an increase of over 36% since the end of December 2015. The table below provides a breakdown of these Garda members by station and rank.

For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/

Please note that this information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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416. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the manual for gardaí to pursue scrambler bikes and motorcycles travelling at high speed was last updated. [4054/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána are currently guided by the ‘Managed Containment and Stopping of Subject Vehicles’ policy document, which governs the pursuit of motorcycles. I am also advised that this policy document was put in place from 19 September 2019, and that an updated policy document is being drafted, namely the 'Managed Pursuit and Stopping of Subject Vehicles' policy.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has due regard for the safety of all individuals in a public place. The updated 'Managed Containment and Stopping of Subject Vehicles' policy document provides clear guidance for all members, in accordance with best international practice when dealing with motorcyclists who are operating outside the road traffic legislation and who pose a risk to the public and other road users.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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417. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the last time the number of horses in the Garda mounted unit was increased. [4085/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.

The Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.

To be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that funding is made available to purchase horses as the need arises when a horse is retired and a new one is required. I am informed that 2 horses were purchased in 2023 and that there are currently 13 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit. This is consistent with the number of horses allocated to the Mounted Unit in 2022 and 2023, and there has been no increase in that time.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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418. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of recruiting an additional detective superintendent post. [4086/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. The Garda Budget is now at its highest ever level. The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 will allow for sustained recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits in 2024.

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 all matters relating to recruitment and training. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the estimated annual payroll cost of one Detective Superintendent is approximately €126,000. This includes the estimated cost of salary, fixed allowances and employer’s PRSI.

I am further advised that salaries are estimated using the midpoint of the current relevant Garda salary scales. Future pension costs and non-pay related costs are not included in the estimated figures.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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419. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new mountain bikes, e-bikes and mopeds that came into the Garda fleet in 2023 and to-date in 2024; and the number of Garda mountain bikes withdrawn from the fleet during 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [4087/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the purchasing and distribution of Garda vehicles. The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need which is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2024. This funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, technology and equipment.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the following numbers are reflective of new Garda Mountain bikes, e-bikes and mopeds that came into the Garda Fleet in 2023 and to date in 2024:

I am further advised that there are no records currently held of official Garda mountain bikes that have been withdrawn from the fleet.