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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Transport.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

66 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details on the purchase and operating costs of the Garda helicopter; the number of times it has been used in duty; the number of arrests resultant from its use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6767/98]

A Squirrel twin-engined helicopter was purchased in 1997 for the Garda air support unit at a cost of approximately £2.26 million, inclusive of VAT. The operating costs of the helicopter are borne by the Department of Defence.

Since the launch of the Garda air support unit on 1 September 1997, and up to 8 March 1998, the helicopter has flown 867 missions. This has resulted in 104 direct and indirect arrests, the recovery of 61 vehicles and the location of six missing persons.

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