Catherine Murphy
Question:1225. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been secured to replace the two patrol boats currently within the Garda water unit. [38947/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1225)
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 purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised 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.
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.
The unit presently has two patrol boats, four rigid inflatable boats (RIB’s) and six inflatable boats. The boats allocated to the unit meet the present requirements of the Garda Water Unit to date and the equipment fitted on the boats is regularly serviced and upgraded when necessary.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to replace the Garda Patrol Boats.