Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
368. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding is available in 2020 to replace the aircraft or helicopters within the Garda air support unit; and if so, if the contract to replace the aircraft or helicopter has been put out to tender. [9033/20]
View answerUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing the administration and business of the organisation as well as for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in those matters.
I understand that the Garda Air Support Unit was established in September 1997 and that it currently comprises one fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters.
While record resources of €1.88 billion, as well as a substantial capital allocation of €116 million, have been made available to An Garda Síochána in 2020, there is no provision in the Capital Plan or the 2020 budget to replace the aircraft or helicopters within the Garda air support unit. Funding has been allocated for the upgrade of equipment on one of the air support helicopters. I am advised that the tender process has been completed and a tender has been awarded.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions on prioritising the upgrading or replacement of Garda equipment or these aircraft in particular are in the first instance for the Commissioner and his management team, in the context of the investment being made in An Garda Síochána and his operational priorities.
Regarding the fixed wing aircraft and as the Deputy may be aware, a Technical Advisory Group comprising of personnel from my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Defence and the Irish Air Corps was established to examine the options in relation to future replacement of that aircraft. A number of options have been examined but I understand there is currently no plan for replacement of the aircraft at this time.
My Department continues to engage with Garda management on an ongoing basis in relation to that matter, as well as ongoing engagement more generally on current and capital resource needs.
