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Garda Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004

Tuesday, 7 December 2004

Questions (263, 264, 265)

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

290 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to the recent press conference announcing the intention to establish a Garda traffic corps, the precise location from which each motor vehicle on display was sourced; the reason the presence of such cars was necessary; the cost of availing of those cars in terms of Garda time, travelling and other expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32593/04]

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Written answers

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the fleet of vehicles present during the press launch announcing the establishment of the traffic corps was composed of eight cars-jeeps, two motorbikes and one helicopter. The number of Garda drivers, motorcyclists and air crew involved in presenting this fleet amounted to 12 members.

As the members who participated in this presentation were on regular duty at the time, there were no incremental costs above the normal payroll costs associated with the duration of this event. It is estimated that the payroll cost of members present for the press launch of the traffic corps amounted to some €800. The fleet of vehicles present have already been paid for out of the Garda Vote and consequently the only cost would have been that for fuel in diverting these vehicles from existing duties to Garda headquarters.

The motor vehicles on display were sourced from the Garda stations in Blackrock, Naas, Mullingar, Fermoy, Ennis, Drogheda, Kells and Castlebar.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

291 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the flight cost per minute of each Garda helicopter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32594/04]

View answer

The operating cost for each Garda helicopter, excluding the air crew is approximately €1,000 per hour. This cost is in line with the internationally accepted operating costs for a helicopter operating in a policing environment.

The helicopter air crew generally consists of one air corps officer, one Garda sergeant and one garda. The approximate salary cost of the air crew amounts to €75 per hour. The total approximate hourly operating cost for a Garda helicopter is €1,075, which equates to €17.92 per minute.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

292 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the age, make and model of the oldest Garda car in each Garda divisional unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32595/04]

View answer

In the time available for answering parliamentary questions, it has not been possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The information requested is being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.

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