Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2017
84. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide the necessary funding to replace the Osprey rigid inflatable boat for the Garda water unit, in view of the fact it is over 20 years old. [24836/17]
View answer85. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide the necessary funding to replace one of the Zodiac inflatable boats for the Garda water unit which is over 17 years old. [24837/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions, including the Garda water unit and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am, however, assured that Garda management keeps these resources under continual review so as to ensure that they are fit for purpose in the context of operational needs.
I understand that the Garda Water Unit provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies. It has at its disposal two patrol boats, four rigid inflatable boats and nine inflatable boats.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the osprey rigid inflatable vessel referred to by the Deputy is currently undergoing a refit in respect of navigation and communication equipment and that this is in addition to significant refurbishment of the vessel in recent years. I have been further informed that all of the boats currently allocated to the Garda Water Unit meet the present requirements of the Unit and that the equipment fitted on the boats is regularly serviced and upgraded when necessary.
