Written answers
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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506. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1550 of 23 July 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36379/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1550 of 23 July 2024 sought the number of new Garda community relations vans that came into the fleet in 2023 and to date in 2024 and the number of Garda community relations vans that were withdrawn from the fleet during same period, in tabular form.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the table below outlines the number of Community Engagement vans allocated and removed in 2023 and as of 30 June 2024. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
| - | Allocated | Removed |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 as at 30 June | 8 | 0 |
I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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507. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on purchasing new tasers and accessories for such tasers for specialist Garda units in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36380/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to tackling the scourge of anti-social behaviour and crime to build safer streets and stronger communities. Which includes providing the funding necessary to strengthen the equipment available to An Garda Síochána for public order policing, including the deployment of tasers and stronger incapacitant spray.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the table below outlines the amount spent on tasers by An Garda Síochána in 2023 and to date in 2024.
| YEAR | SPEND (inclusive of VAT) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | €1,113,297 (Taser Upgrade) |
| 2024 | €376,380 |
Information supplied is operational and subject to change.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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508. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1556 of 23 July 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36381/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1556 of 23 July 2024 sought ‘the full breakdown of the Garda costs incurred for the UEFA Europa League Final held on 22 May 2024; if An Garda Síochána has sought to recoup any of these costs from UEFA.’
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that €7.12 million is the cost incurred to date by An Garda Síochána in relation to the UEFA Europa League Final. This cost figure is operational and subject to change.
A breakdown of costs is below. Figures are in millions of euro.
| Overtime | Employer PRSI | Unsocial allowances | Travel & Subsistence | Other Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.86 | 0.56 | 0.49 | 0.04 | 1.17 | €7.12 million |
For your information no recoupment from UEFA is being sought by An Garda Síochána. A letter of assurance was provided to UEFA that the State would cover costs incurred by An Garda Síochána for the Europa League Final.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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509. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of each category of Garda car, van and motorcycle training courses held in either Garda HQ and/or Garda training college held in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; the duration of each of those courses; the frequency with which each of these courses are held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36382/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, 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 the training of its members and civilian staff. I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of each category of Garda car, van and motorcycle training courses provided to Garda personnel in 2023 and to date in 2024, the duration of each course, and the number of personnel trained in 2023 and to date in 2024:
| Course | Duration (Days) | Courses Provided 2023 | No. of People Trained 2023 | Courses Provided 2024 Year to Date | No. of People Trained 2024 Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBD1 | 1 | 78 | 883 | 34 | 281 |
| CBD 2 | 11 | 84 | 687 | 52 | 421 |
| CBD 3 | 16 | 4 | 31 | 2 | 16 |
| CBD 3 Controlled Stopping Module | 2 | 1 | <10 | 0 | 0 |
| CBD 4 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 31 |
| CBD 5 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1 | <10 |
| 4 x 4 Vehicle | 4 | 7 | 39 | 5 | 11 |
| Automatic Familiarisation | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Command Vehicle | 5 | 1 | <10 | 0 | 0 |
| HGV Category C1 | 5 | 1 | <10 | 2 | <10 |
| HGV Category C | 5 | 3 | <10 | 2 | <10 |
| Standard Motorcycle | 20 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 12 |
| Advanced Motorcycle | 10 | 1 | <10 | 1 | <10 |
| Motorcycle Escort | 5 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 10 |
| Van/Personnel Carrier D1 | 4 | 14 | 60 | 10 | 30 |
| Personnel Carrier & Trailer | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | <10 |
| Trailer Towing 4 x 4 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Category B Van | 1 | 24 | 105 | 21 | 82 |
| Garda Staff Risk Assessment | 1 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 40 |
| UN 4 x 4 Familiarisation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | <10 |
I am advised that course frequency varies and is dependent on operational priorities and demands within An Garda Síochána.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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510. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána for a learner driver driving while unaccompanied in the Garda U district within the Dublin region in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36383/24]
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.
I am assured by the Commissioner that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the below is a yearly breakdown of the number of vehicles seized by Garda authorities in the U district for having been driven by a learner unaccompanied driver in 2023 and to date in 2024.
| Year | 2023 | 2024* |
|---|---|---|
| No of vehicles seized - U district DMR | 76 | 117 |
*2024 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2024 to 13 September 2024
Figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2023 to 13 September 2024, inclusive. This information is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 13 September 2024 and is liable to change. Vehicles seized or detained relate to those detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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511. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to the Garda National Protective Services Bureau as of 9 September 2024; if she will provide the corresponding figures as of 31 December 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36384/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
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