Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1038. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent on purchasing new weaponry for armed Garda personnel in the years of 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18216/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review. I am advised that this is considered in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure the optimum use of these resources.
I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2.14 billion.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the amount spent on purchasing new weaponry for armed Garda personnel in 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023.
|
YEAR |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
SPEND ON FIREARMS |
€139,329 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
SPEND ON NEW LESS LETHAL AMMUNITION |
€255,388 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
SPEND ON AMMUNITION |
NIL |
€864,075 |
NIL |
I am informed that this spend is inclusive of VAT at 23%.
