Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1203. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice the number of incidents the Garda air support unit was requested to attend in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38716/23]
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 deployment of specialist units. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Air Support Unit is a national resource based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. The unit 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. Details of the Garda Air Support Unit operational provisions are published annually in An Garda Síochána annual reports.
The below table, provided to me by Garda authorities, outlines the number of incidents the Garda Air Support Unit attended in the years 2021, 2022, and as of 31 August 2023.
|
Year |
Incidents Attended |
|
2023 (as of 31 August 2023) |
1,058 |
|
2022 |
1,497 |
|
2021 |
1,843 |
