Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
437. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when each of the boats currently in the Garda water unit are next scheduled to be replaced, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2509/24]
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 boats or specialist equipment for the Garda Water Unit. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 18 January 2024 the Garda Water Unit has two patrol boats, four rigid inflatable boats (RIB’s) and six inflatable boats.
I am advised that these boats meet the current requirements of the Unit and that the equipment fitted is regularly serviced and upgraded when necessary. I am further advised that there are currently no plans to replace these boats.
