Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2023
168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 965 of 18 April 2023, if he will clarify whether the new Garda air fleet will use unleaded fuels (details supplied). [25323/23]
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 the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, I can 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. Budget 2023 provides funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána which includes funding to procure a new fixed wing aircraft.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Air Support Unit was established in 1997, is based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Dublin 22 and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.
I am informed by Garda authorities that any new aircraft added to the fleet of An Garda Síochána will only utilise fuel without lead additive.
