Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

115. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized by Gardai in each district within Dublin region for having no insurance in each of the first eight months of 2025, in tabular form. [50633/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the table below provides a monthly breakdown per Garda division of the number of vehicles seized by Gardaí in the Dublin region for having no insurance in the first eight months of 2025.

These figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2025, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 22 September 2025 and is liable to change.

Vehicles seized or detained relate to those detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.

I am informed that the figures supplied are complemented by the ability Gardaí to interrogate the Irish Motorist Insurance Database along with the National Fleet Database on their mobility devices to establish up to date insurance details for all vehicle types. The use of both databases and the up to date information supplied on a nightly basis, provides a high level of confidence to operational Gardaí when faced with a decision to seize a vehicle.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

116. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 2001 of 29 July 2025, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to answer this Parliamentary Question. [50635/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Parliamentary Question No 2001 of 29 July 2025 sought "the number of each category of firearm training courses that took place in garda headquarters for armed Garda personnel in 2024 and to-date in 2025; and the duration of each course, in tabular form."

This information was not available at the time, however I have now been advised of the below by the Garda authorities.

The Firearms Training Unit is attached to Garda Headquarters, with training delivered throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). Garda management have clarified that firearms training does not physically take place in Garda Headquarters.

The following figures pertain to training conducted by the Firearms Training Unit within the DMR, from 2024 to end of July 2025.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality If Garda Air support unit has received the new aircraft and helicopters; and if so, when these aircraft will be ready for operational duties. [50636/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

There are currently two helicopters attached to the Garda aircraft fleet, a Eurocopter EC135 T2 and a EC135 T2+ which were delivered in 2001 and 2007 respectively.

An application was made to replace both aircraft, and sanction for a fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters has been secured.

Over €50m is being invested in providing new state of the art aircraft to the GASU, with the first new helicopter and plane due to be delivered later this year, and a further new helicopter in late 2026.

The GASU is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. It provides a 24-hour proactive and reactive service in support of operational Gardaí on the ground and specialist units.