Alan Kelly
Question:428. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been provided for the purchase of additional state-of-the art drones for use by An Garda Síochána. [32316/23]
View answerTuesday, 4 July 2023
Questions (428)
Written answers
As 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 tendering for, and purchase of, equipment for the service. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised that the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is a national resource based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin and is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. The unit provides a 24-hour proactive and reactive service in support of operational Gardaí on the ground and specialist units.
The Garda authorities have advised me that GASU is currently continuing ongoing trials with a number of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and there is an internal Garda working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations. The working group is chaired by Superintendent, Operational Support Services under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime. 21 drones have been procured by GASU for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is envisaged that the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill will provide a legal basis for the wider operational deployment of drones by An Garda Síochána in future.