Catherine Murphy
Question:965. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the closing date for accepting tender offers for the provision of new helicopters and aircraft for the Garda air support unit. [16931/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (965)
Written answers
I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána which includes funding to procure a new fixed wing aircraft.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has received legal advice through the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitors Office that the procurement of aircraft for An Garda Síochána is encompassed within regulation 9(b) of the European Union (Award of Contracts Defence and Security) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 62 of 2012), which transposed Directive 2009/81/EC into Irish law.
I am advised that the procurement process will be conducted in line with Regulation 9(b) of the European Union Regulations 2012 and that no date has been finalised as yet.
I am informed that notification will be issued once a contract has been agreed upon.
I trust this information is of assistance.