Sorca Clarke
Question:358. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been provided in 2024 to purchase additional horses for the Garda mounted unit. [50547/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 November 2023
Questions (358)
Written answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed the Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.
I am advised there are currently 13 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit and that presently, there are no plans to purchase additional horses in 2024.
I am further advised that the retirement of a horse can however be unforeseen and in that regard, it can not be stated with absolute certainty that funding for a new horse(s) will not become applicable throughout 2024. Historically, funding is made available to purchase horses as the need arises when a horse is retired and a new one is required.