Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Dogs.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

122 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the number of trained dogs that are attached to the Garda Síochána in each of the years from 1990 to date in 1997; and the cost of training and maintenance of a trained dog. [11659/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of trained dogs attached to the Garda Síochána is as follows: 1990, 16; 1991, 16; 1992, 15; 1993, 16; 1994, 16; 1995, 16; 1996, 15; 1997, 15.

I am also informed that the cost of training a dog is £3,956. This excludes handlers' wages and transport. The cost of maintenance of a trained dog is £9,707.72 per year. This figure does not include the cost of handlers' wages or transport.