Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
507. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of increasing the number of dogs in the Garda Dog Unit from 24 to 29; the cost of increasing the number of horses in the Garda Mounted Unit from 14 to 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46211/12]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that the cost of purchasing an additional five dogs for the Garda Dog Unit would be in the region of €9,000 and that the estimated cost of purchasing an additional six horses for the Garda Mounted Unit is €36,000. In addition to the purchase costs, any increase in either the Dog Unit or the Mounted Unit would give rise to an increase in operational costs for items such as food, bedding and veterinary services. An estimate for these expenses is not readily available.
