Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
20. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of canines operating in An Garda Síochána; the amount it costs to train same; and the supports for canines on duty and retired. [29409/18]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate the provision and allocation of resources for An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and has a national remit. Dog units have also been established in the Southern Region based at Togher Garda Station, Cork, and Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick.
I am informed that there are currently twenty-five dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit, comprising general purpose (search), drugs and explosive detection dogs. Of these 20 dogs are located in the DMR, 2 in Cork and 3 in Limerick.
I am further informed that the duration and cost of training for the dogs in the Garda Dog Unit varies depending on what purpose the dog in question will be used for. For example, training for general purpose Garda dogs takes fourteen weeks, while training for explosives/drug Garda dogs is eight weeks. I understand that training of Garda dogs is provided in house and that the cost of salaries and other associated expenses involved in training are not itemised in the overall expenditure of the Garda Dog Unit.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that dogs allocated to the Garda Dog Unit are retired when, on veterinary advice, it is considered that they are unable to perform their prescribed duties. In those circumstances, where possible, the retired Garda dog remains with the relevant Garda handler, as having been housed with the handler during their active lives, they are used to the environment and the people. Any consequential cost is borne by An Garda Síochána.
