Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
253. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average cost to purchase each type of specialist dog (details supplied) used by the Garda dog unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and has a national remit. I am pleased to confirm that dog units have also been established in the Southern Region based at Togher Garda Station, Cork, and Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick. I understand that facilities for a future regional dog unit have also been included in the Western Region Garda Headquarters, Galway.
I am informed that there are currently 25 dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit, comprising general purpose (search), drugs and explosive detection dogs. Of these I understand that 20 dogs are currently located in the DMR and 5 are located in the Southern Region.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of purchasing Garda Dogs varies, ranging from approximately €1500 to €3000 in respect of a German Shepherd, and from approximately €1000 to €1500 in respect of a Springer Spaniel and Labrador.
I understand that the duration and cost of training for dogs in the Garda Dog Unit varies depending on what purpose the dog in question will be used for and that training of Garda dogs is provided in house.
