Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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876. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda prisoner transport vans currently in the fleet; if he will provide the same figures as of 1 September 2021, in tabular form. [48202/25]

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.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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877. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 711 of 15 July 2025, if he has received the necessary information from Garda authorities to answer this question. [48203/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to Parliamentary Question 711 of 15 July 2025 regarding “the amount An Garda Síochána spent on purchasing Garda public order equipment, by item type, to date in 2025”.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational matters. This includes the provision of equipment for specialist units. Under the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is also the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána and is responsible for the Garda budget.

I understand that for the purposes of compiling this information, An Garda Síochána have considered “public order equipment” as the equipment that the organisation provides to Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) members to allow them complete their task of public order policing. This includes GNPOU uniform, PPE, shields and vehicles.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that expenditure on public order equipment in that regard amounted to €6.33 million in 2024 and €0.97 million to date in 2025.

The following provides a breakdown of the principal items purchased in 2024 and those ordered in 2025:

I am also informed that water cannon vehicles were paid for in 2024 and delivered in 2025. Body armour was ordered in 2024 and, to secure the shortest possible lead time, was also paid for in 2024 as agreed with the supplier. A further order for 500 more units of body armour has not yet been finalised so there is no current spend to record.

An Garda Síochána are investing heavily in public order equipment. The new GNPOU body armour and protectors are top of the range and when delivered will provide members with unprecedented levels of protection, comfort and flexibility. An Garda Síochána are also currently trialling a new two-piece GNPOU suit and alternative GNPOU helmet, following which a tender process will be undertaken.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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878. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Justice if members of An Garda Síochána are covered by all provisions and regulations of the Health and Safety Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48233/25]

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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880. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints lodged with An Garda Síochána concerning the practices or staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the number currently under investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48279/25]

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, it has not been possible to compile the information in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is available.

Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
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881. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested at an event (details supplied) for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 for the offence of simple possession of controlled drugs. [48295/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table provides a count of Section 3 Misuse of Drugs Act incidents (Drugs Simple Possession) reported by Stradbally Garda Station for the relevant periods.