Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
371. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1077 of 17 January 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered. [5528/24]
View answerThe unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 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, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. The budget allocation is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having regard to his operational needs and in light of his position as accounting officer for the Garda Vote. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
To be of assistance, I sought the information requested from the Garda authorities and have been informed that there are no loudspeakers currently stocked or on order by An Garda Síochána. I am advised that no funding has been allocated for these items in 2024.
I am further informed the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) responds to incidences of disorder as part of a graduated response. Public Order Advisors and Commanders are instructed to give warning messages when it is practical and safe to do so.
I am advised that these messages are given verbally. There are also electronic options to deliver such messages currently available to the GNPOU. These include:
• Handheld Megaphone
• External speakers in Public Order vans
• External speakers in Water Canon
• Garda Air Support unit speaker called SKY SHOUT
