asked the Minister for Justice the number of police dogs which have been purchased for the use of the Garda Síochána, and the cost of each dog.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Police Dogs.
37.
Six police dogs have been acquired, two without cost to public funds, one for £5, one for £5 5s. and two for £8 each.
The Minister should read a little slower so that the press can take this as well. How did the Department manage to get the two dogs for free?
We have ways of doing many things.
Of going to the dogs.
38.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will give an itemised account of the cost per week of the upkeep of each police dog, giving such items as food, housing, veterinary care, etc.
The approved weekly cost of upkeep per dog is:—
|
Food |
£1 |
2s. |
0d. |
|
Veterinary care |
1s. |
0d. |
|
|
Bedding |
8d. |
What food? I thought it was an itemised account.
Meat and biscuits.
With some promises thrown in.
Would the Minister not consider the very excellent dog food put out by a Leixlip firm?
Would the Minister consider putting them in charge of the Tánaiste?
We might bring them in here some day.
What have the dogs done that they should deserve that fate?
39.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí who are engaged in duties connected with the care, feeding and exercise of police dogs; whether this is part of the normal duties of the Gardaí concerned, or whether it is an extra duty; and whether Gardaí who look after police dogs receive any form of extra or special payment for this duty.
There are six Gardaí employed full-time as dog handlers. Each receives an allowance of 15/- a week.
40.
asked the Minister for Justice what form of training is given to police dogs; whether they are trained in any way prior to their purchase by his Department; whether they are trained after their purchase by his Department for the special purposes for which they are used; and, if so, by whom they are trained.
Each dog is trained to obey its handler and to act with him as a team in connection with the prevention and detection of crime. The dogs are trained after purchase by a police dog handler.