Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
461. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of incidents that the Garda water unit was requested to attend in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30669/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the strategic control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services and the operational control of Superintendent, Operational Support Services.
I am further informed the unit provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and relevant agencies. In the past year the Water Unit members have undergone recertification and training courses that were not undertaken during the Covid period due to restrictions.
I am advised one request for the Garda Water Unit to assist in a missing person search can result in the unit being deployed at a scene for a number of days.
The tables below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outline the number of incidents that the Garda Water Unit was requested to attend in 2021 ,2022 and up to 21 June 2023.
2023 to date
|
Requests |
Patrols |
Open Days |
|
35 |
14 |
7 |
2022
|
Requests |
Patrols |
Open Days |
|
65 |
80 |
22 |
2021
|
Requests |
Patrols |
Open Days |
|
68 |
145 |
0 |
It is worth noting the figures do not account for days involved in training, administration or maintenance of equipment/transport/vessels by the GWU.
I understand the patrol figures indicate the number of patrols carried out by GWU where there has been no request. These patrols are usually carried out on the waterways and marinas of the Dublin Bay area, River Shannon system including lakes and the midland lakes.
I am further advised the open days/community days should be considered as requests from An Garda Síochána personnel around the country.
