Jim O'Callaghan
Question:1213. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost in 2024 to double the number of dogs in the Garda dog unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38825/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1213)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business by law. This includes the distribution of Garda resources to the various Garda units/Divisions. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The Unit has a national remit.
As of 4 September, there are 24 dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit. This is inclusive of the Southern Regional Dog Unit based in Cork and Limerick.
The cost of purchasing dogs varies from €3,000 to €6,000. Therefore it would cost in the region of €72,000 to €144,000 to purchase an additional 24 dogs for the Garda Dog Unit.
Increasing the number of dogs would also require a significant increase of personnel and raise the ongoing running costs for the Unit, which would include veterinary fees, feed and kennelling.