Tuesday, 7 Nov 2023

Written Answers Nos. 858-877

Citizenship Ceremonies

Questions (858, 886)

Robert Troy

Question:

858. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice when her Department will host citizenship ceremonies for those recently awarded Irish citizenship. [48626/23]

Cathal Crowe

Question:

886. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if there is an Irish citizenship ceremony planned for December 2023; and if so, when the date will be revealed for same. [48782/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 858 and 886 together.

I am pleased to say that the next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on 18 and 19 December 2023 at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD).

Seven Citizenship Ceremonies will be held across both of these dates. Invitations to successful applicants will be begin to issue shortly.

Information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/

All invitees attending a Citizenship Ceremony should ensure that they have an up to date IRP Card that provides details of their permission to remain in the State on the date of the ceremony.

Immigration Support Services

Questions (859)

Niall Collins

Question:

859. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if a letter issued to a person (details supplied) can be reissued as they require it for SUSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48637/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise you that the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department does not issue individual immigration permission letters to persons who have a permission to be in the State.

However, any person who has an immigration permission must have an in date Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, which can be presented and accepted as proof of entitlement to be in the State and the conditions attaching to that stay.

The IRP card will display the type of permission the person has, represented by a Stamp number and the expiry date.

Information on the different immigration permissions and the conditions that apply to them is available on the Immigration Service website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/information-on-registering/immigration-permission-Stamps/#passport-Stamping

Probate Applications

Questions (860)

Paul Murphy

Question:

860. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of any issues with the probate process (details supplied); if she will request a review of the process which examines whether the probate process needs a complete overhaul; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48671/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Justice, I have no role in the exercise of Probate functions.

The Probate Office is an office of the High Court, and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and the Judiciary, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: [e-mail].

I can, however, assure the Deputy that every effort is made by the Courts Service to ensure that probate services are adequately supported with staff, training and other resources and that the public are assisted in dealing with what can be a complex and sensitive matter.

The Courts Service is currently implementing a 10-year programme of modernisation of the Courts system. An eProbate project has been identified as part of the civil law modernisation workstream of this programme and an initial budget has recently been allocated to the Courts Service to facilitate the commencement of the project. I have further secured an additional funding allocation for the Courts Service as part of Budget 2024 to facilitate the delivery of eProbate in 2024. At the same time, the Courts Service is aware of its need to reduce waiting times while the eProbate project is under way. In this regard, it has prioritised the recruitment of additional staff to help in this task.

It is envisaged that eProbate will include a single point of contact for all applications for Probate in the State. In addition, one of the main reasons for delays is the number of invalid applications received in the Probate Office. It is intended that as part of the development of the new system, the application process will be simplified for users and there will be reduced opportunities for errors, thereby speeding up the process.

In addition, by reducing the number of invalid applications, the development of the new system will allow staff resources to be better utilised in processing other applications for the benefit of the public

Departmental Contracts

Questions (861, 865)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

861. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the number and details of contracts currently held by her Department with a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48661/23]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

865. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the number and details of contracts currently held by her Department with a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48710/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 861 and 865 together.

The following table sets out the details of contracts currently held by my Department with the companies referenced.

The procurement processes for these services were carried out in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement’s (OGP) Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services which aim to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers the best value for money.

Company	Contract Details
Deloitte	SharePoint Developers Java / Lotus Notes Team Test Analysts
Deloitte	Provision of Accounting, Audit and Financial Advisory Services – Review of GDPR Practices and Procedures
EY	Risk Management Training Security Services
EY	Provision of Accounting, Audit and Financial Advisory Services

Probate Applications

Questions (862)

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

862. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Justice the current average waiting time for probate requests through the Probate Office; if additional resources are being allocated to assist in clearing the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48683/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware as Minister for Justice, I have no role in the exercise of Probate functions.

The Probate Office is an office of the High Court, and management of the courts is the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: [e-mail].

However, I would like to draw the Deputy’s attention to the fact that the Courts Service have embarked on a 10-year programme of modernisation of the Courts system. A proposal to roll out an eProbate project has been identified as part of the civil law modernisation workstream.

I have secured an additional funding allocation for the Courts Service to facilitate the delivery of eProbate in 2024. The introduction of this improved system should lead to a faster and more efficient process.

Question No. 863 answered with Question No. 786.

Question No. 864 answered with Question No. 828.

Question No. 865 answered with Question No. 861.

Prison Service

Questions (866, 867)

Paul Murphy

Question:

866. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of different cell or room types of accommodation for prisoners, by metric size, not including the sanitary annex, for all prisons and open centres in the prison estate, by individual prison. [48731/23]

Paul Murphy

Question:

867. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of different cell or room sizes of accommodation for prisoners by metric size, not including the sanitary annex, for all prisons and open centres in the prison estate, by individual prison, specifically; the number of cells or rooms under six metres square six to eight metres square, eight to 12 metres square, 12 to 16 metres square and 16 to 20 metres square. [48732/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 866 and 867 together.

It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 866 and 867 of 7 November 2023, in which you requested information relating to the number of different cell or room types of accommodation for prisoners, by metric size, not including the sanitary annex, for all prisons and open centres in the prison estate, by individual prison specifically; the number of cells or rooms under six meters square six to eight meters square, eight to 12 meters square, 12 to 16 meters square and 16 to 20 meters square. The information requested by the Deputy on the number of cells and rooms for prisoners by metric size is set out in the attached tables.

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that a comprehensive audit of cellular accommodation was carried out in March 2021 across the prison estate. The information provided in the tables includes the total floor space of each prison cell/room including the sanitary facilities. Information on the size of cells/rooms excluding sanitary facilities is not available.

As the Deputy may be aware the prison estate in Ireland includes a mix of accommodation types including basic prison cells, en-suite rooms, dormitory style accommodation, wheelchair accessible cells, and special observation cells. Prison accommodation blocks range in age of construction from accommodation built in the mid-19th Century to the most recent accommodation opened in Limerick Prison this year.

Prison accommodation has evolved significantly in terms of size and facilities in recent years with all new cells now built to 12m2 with a full sanitary suite including toilet, wash hand basin and shower area.

Question No. 867 answered with Question No. 866.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (868)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

868. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the Garda water unit as of 31 October 2023; if she will provide the corresponding figures as of 31 January 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48736/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy and, regrettably, I am advised that it has not been possible to collate the information in time. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 868 of 7 November 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to the Garda water unit as of 31 October 2023; if she will provide the corresponding figures as of 31 January 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”

As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 and 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. This included provision for high visibility policing through the recruitment of between 800 and 1,000 additional Garda trainees.

As you will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda Units. As Minister, I have no role in these operational matters.

I am advised, by the Garda authorities, that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources (including newly attested Probationer Gardaí, personnel being allocated to specialist units, e.g. Roads Policing, Community Policing, Divisional Protective Services Units, Divisional Drug Units, etc.) and in facilitating transfers of personnel to/from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.

Also taken into account in the context of the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are local and national crime trends and workloads; policing arrangements and operational strategies; minimum establishment statistics; local population and trends, geographical area and size; transfer applications, including welfare/personnel issues and concerns.

I am further advised to ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions, local and Senior Garda Management are also consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment/assignment of duties being undertaken at Divisional level. The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing at Divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.

I am informed that as at the 31 of January 2022, there were 17 Garda members attached to the Garda Water Unit. As at the 31 of October 2023, there were 15 Garda members assigned to the Unit. These figures include the ranks of Sergeant and Garda.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (869)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

869. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda age ID cards that were issued in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48737/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes the administration of the Garda Age Card scheme. As Minister, I have no role in the issuing of Age Cards.

I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that, under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 2010, anyone over the age of 18 can apply for a voluntary Age Card. The Age Card can be used by individuals aged 18 and over to show that they have reached the legal age for purchasing alcohol.

The Garda Age Card Office falls under the remit of the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB).

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a total of 28,194 Age Cards were issued in 2022. From 1 January to 2 November 2023 there have been a total of 22,842 Age Cards issued by An Garda Síochána.

It is important to note that an Age Card is a 'proof of age' card and not an official identity card. Further information on the Age Card scheme can be found at www.agecard.ie.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (870)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

870. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number and percentage of interview rooms within Garda stations within the DMR that have audio and video recording facilities, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48738/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be are aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including matters relating to the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.

The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, details the number of interview rooms with audio and video recording facilities in the Dublin Metropolitan Region:

Region	No. of Garda Stations	No of Interview Rooms That Have Audio & Video Recording Facilities
DMR	29	56

I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.31 billion in Budget 2024, up 23% since 2020, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the organisation has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (871)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

871. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been provided in 2024 to purchase larger Garda prisoner transport trucks; the number of Garda prisoner transport trucks that entered the fleet to date in 2023; the number of Garda prisoner transport trucks withdrawn from the fleet to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48739/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and a further €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

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 assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

Garda authorities have informed me that, at the end of October 2023, there were 3,440 vehicles assigned to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 10% since the end of December 2020, when there were 3,112 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet nationwide.

I am informed that no Prisoner Transport Trucks have been allocated to, or removed from, the Garda fleet in 2022 or to date in 2023.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (872)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

872. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of competitions held to date in 2023 for Garda personnel to apply to join Garda armed support unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48740/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information requested was not received in time. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 872 of 7 November 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of competitions held to date in 2023 for Garda personnel to apply to join Garda armed support unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter”.

As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that one national competition for the filling of vacancies within the Garda Armed Support Units is currently ongoing.

As you will appreciate, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. I am, however, assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

Following Budget 2024, I announced that this allocation would allow for the recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits in 2024.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (873)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

873. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí trained in each level of public order training within the DMR, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48741/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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 responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use.

The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí currently trained in each level of public order training within the DMR, as of 6 November 2023.

Level	Role	Members assigned to DMR
5	Trainer	*
4	Instructor	20
3	Strategic Commander Operational Commander Bronze Commander Tactical Advisor Protest removal Evidence Gatherer Medic	* 12 * 16 22 * *
2	Operator	337
1	Level 1	219

*denotes less than 10

State Pathology Service

Questions (874)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

874. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding will be provided for the recruitment of WTE forensic anthropologists for the Office of State Pathologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48742/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) provides the State with a national forensic pathology service and a forensic pathologist is on duty, twenty-four hours a day, each day of the year. Annually, the OSP deals with a very small number of forensically relevant skeletal remains, and in these cases an independent consultant forensic anthropologist is appointed by the coroner. In the circumstances, there are no plans to recruit a full-time permanent forensic anthropologist.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (875)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

875. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank (details supplied), as of 1 November 2023; if a further recruitment campaign will be launched before end of year to increase the number of gardaí attached to CPU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48743/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. Following Budget 2024, I announced that this allocation would allow for the recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits.

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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. I am however assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.

Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out in all divisions and is fully commenced in seven.

The new model will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within division into four functional areas, one of them being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater focus on community policing in all divisions.

Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that member is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement.

It is important to note that community safety is not just about the number of Gardaí in communities. Community safety is a whole of Government responsibility and it requires a multi-agency approach. The Government is providing significant additional resources to An Garda Síochána, including to support recruitment to CPT teams nationwide.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 30 September 2023, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 67 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR North. This represents an increase of over 42% since the end of December 2017.

I am further advised that as of the same date there were 13 Community Gardaí assigned to Coolock Garda station, 12 Gardaí and 1 Sergeant. This represents an increase of almost 86% since the end of December 2017.

Further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers, including Community Policing, is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.

The information can be found at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/

An Garda Síochána

Questions (876)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

876. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 359 of 10 October 2023, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48744/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs), which was an action under both the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’, has been completed.

As the deputy will be aware, there is now a DPSU in every Garda division across the country.

This is to ensure that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources (including newly attested Probationer Gardaí, personnel being allocated to specialist units, e.g. Roads Policing, Community Policing, Divisional Protective Services Units, Divisional Drug Units, etc.) and in facilitating transfers of personnel to/from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.

Also taken into account in the context of the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide, are local and national crime trends and workloads; policing arrangements and operational strategies; minimum establishment statistics; local population and trends, geographical area and size; transfer applications, including welfare / personnel issues and concerns.

To ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions, local and Senior Garda Management are also consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment/assignment of duties being undertaken at Divisional level.

The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing at Divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.

The table below shows the number of Garda members attached to Regional DPSUs as at 06/10/2023.

DPSU 06/10/2023	Detective Inspector	Inspector	Detective Sergeant	Sergeant	Detective Garda	Garda	Total
DMR	*		16		89		111
Eastern Region	*	*	15		65	*	87
Southern Region	*		15		60	*	79
North Western Region	*		10		63		77
Total	16	*	56		277	*	354

*denotes less than 10

In view of the policy of not providing numbers less than 10, the data was rolled up to Regional Level to facilitate the release of Garda numbers.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (877)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

877. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda roads policing motorcycles that came into the fleet in 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of RPU motorcycles withdrawn from the fleet during the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48745/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána, up 23 per cent since 2020, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

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 assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

Garda authorities have informed me that at the end of October 2023 there were 3,440 vehicles assigned to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 10% since the end of December 2020 when there were 3,112 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet nationwide.

I am advised that no motorcycles were assigned or removed from the Roads Policing Unit in 2022.

I am further advised that 12 motorcycles were assigned to, and 3 motorcycles were removed from, the Roads Policing Unit in 2023, up to 31 October.

I am informed that the figures provided are operational and may be subject to change.