Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. The budget allocation is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having regard to his operational needs and in light of his position as accounting officer for the Garda Vote. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

To be of assistance, I sought the information requested from the Garda authorities and have been informed that there are no loudspeakers currently stocked or on order by An Garda Síochána. I am advised that no funding has been allocated for these items in 2024.

I am further informed the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) responds to incidences of disorder as part of a graduated response. Public Order Advisors and Commanders are instructed to give warning messages when it is practical and safe to do so.

I am advised that these messages are given verbally. There are also electronic options to deliver such messages currently available to the GNPOU. These include:

• Handheld Megaphone
• External speakers in Public Order vans
• External speakers in Water Canon
• Garda Air Support unit speaker called SKY SHOUT

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 44 quad bikes and 133 scramblers have been seized by the Garda authorities in 2023 and to date in 2024. I am advised that these figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2023 up to 5 February 2024.

Quad

Scrambler

The information provided is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 6 February 2024 and is liable to change.

Vehicles seized or detained include, but are not exclusively, those seized or detained under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended).

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have asked An Garda Síochána to provide any information of relevance to the Deputy’s question. I will contact the Deputy once An Garda Síochána have responded to my request.