Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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174. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda automatic number-plate recognition app detects for heavy goods vehicle permit breaches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26632/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be 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, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.

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 may be aware, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a tool to assist Garda members in detecting various existing Roads Policing Offences. It does not create any additional offences.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of March of this year, there were 631 Gardaí assigned to roads policing. I am informed that all Roads Policing Gardaí have access to the ANPR app through their mobility device. It is anticipated that all future purchases of roads policing vehicles will be fitted out with ANPR technology prior to unit allocation.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the ANPR app detects breaches of offences managed through a set of watchlists. Heavy goods vehicle permit breaches are not currently part of this set of watchlists, and accordingly the app does not currently detect such breaches.