Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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267. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the last competition was held for sworn Gardaí to apply to join the Garda band; and the number of Gardaí that have applied to join the band. [16494/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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268. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to Garda Public Order instructors posts in either Templemore Training College and Garda Headquarters, the number of posts filled; the number of vacant posts; and when those vacant posts will be filled, in tabular form. [16496/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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269. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of unmarked Garda cars and vans attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau as of 28 March 2025; and if he will provide same figures as of 31 March 2022, in tabular form. [16497/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025 is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of January 2025, there were 3,628 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest number of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 16% since the end of December 2020.

I have sought the information requested from the Garda authorities and can advise the Deputy that the below table outlines the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) fleet as at 31 March 2022 and at 31 March 2025.

For the Deputy's further information, I am advised that all Garda National Immigration Bureau vehicles are unmarked. The purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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270. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána plans to introduce measures (details supplied). [16498/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that GardaSAFE, the new computer aided dispatch system in An Garda Síochána, was rolled out incrementally across the organisation in 2023. The last region, the Dublin Metropolitan Region, went live on GardaSAFE in late November 2023 completing the national roll out.

This new modern system is tailored to fit the specific needs of An Garda Síochána and to provide a better response to victims of crime. The system is integrated with the mobility devices and other Garda apps, enhancing overall effectiveness. I am further informed that the introduction of a non-emergency telephone line was considered by An Garda Síochána, and while there are clear benefits which would reduce risk, increase operational effectiveness and improve customer service, there are also disadvantages of reduced local access and visibility.

An alternative option being examined by An Garda Síochána is the introduction of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephony system. This would mean that a call to a local Garda station would be automatically connected to an automated IVR system, and the caller would be asked to select from a menu of options to route their call.

Calls for service would be routed directly to a call taker at the Regional Control Centre, while maintaining the ability of the caller to speak to their local Gardaí in respect of other matters. The IVR Telephony Project is currently at the scoping stage.