Seán Barrett
Question:41 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice the progress made in the provision of helicopters for the Garda Síochána promised in a package to tackle crime in the year 1980.
Written Answers. - Helicopters for Garda.
I have no plans to set up a Garda helicopter unit. I am aware that in 1980 a proposal to establish such a unit in the Garda Síochána was included as one of a number of proposals put forward in the context of tackling serious crime. In the event the proposal was not proceeded with. As the Air Corps are available to provide assistance of this nature to the Garda Síochána as and when required, I do not believe that diverting scarce Exchequer resources for the establishment of such a unit would be warranted at this stage.