Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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184. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of airport-style walk through detectors, beach metal detectors used for searching lands and underwater metal detectors owned by An Garda Síochána as of 30 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3756/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the allocation of resources, and all operational policing decisions. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.

I am advised that the items of equipment referenced by the Deputy are not stored centrally. Many of these items are hired or leased for operations that may arise, or may have been purchased locally by sections/units. This would ultimately require that the information requested be sought from all sections across the organisation seeking a return to allow for the creation of a central register of items of equipment that may fall under the description of “metal detectors”.

I am further advised that considering the complexities outlined above, the Garda authorities are not in a position to provide the information as a significant and disproportionate amount of Garda resources would be required to fulfil the request.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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185. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the new aircraft and helicopters to come into service within the Garda air support unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3757/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including the acquisition of aircraft, across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.

The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.

I am advised by the Garda authorities 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.

I am advised that there are two helicopters attached to the Garda aircraft fleet, a Eurocopter EC 135 T2 and a EC135 T2+ which were delivered in 2001 and 2007 respectively.

I am informed that an application was made to replace both aircraft, and sanction for a fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters has been secured.

I am further informed that from the current project timelines, it is expected that the new rotary and fixed wing aircraft will become operational by Q4, 2025.

As the Deputy will be aware, the new helicopter has recently been approved for purchase and is expected to be delivered in Q4, 2026.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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186. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new contract for the provision of new unmarked Garda cars will put out to tender before Easter 2025. [3758/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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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 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.

Garda vehicles, including unmarked Garda Cars, are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). However, I am informed that the current contract for the purchase of unmarked Garda Cars is in place until 8 April 2026.

The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.