THERE are six operational double horseboxes attached to the Garda Mounted Unit and no plans to purchase another one.

That’s according to Minister Simon Harris TD (FG) who was responding to a recent question from Dublin Bay South TD Jim O’Callaghan (FF) asking if funding had been provided in 2023 to purchase additional larger horsebox trucks for the Garda Mounted Unit.

Minister Harris said: “As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

“I am informed by the Garda authorities that 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 six operational double horse boxes attached to the Garda Mounted Unit and there are presently no plans to purchase another one,” concluded Minister Harris.

Breeders’ grant

Separately, Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) tabled a Dáil question to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD (FF) asking him to make a statement on the breeders’ grant that is typically provided by his Department.

In response, Minister McConalogue replied: “Officials in my Department are currently working with Horse Sport Ireland on its proposed Breeding Initiatives for 2023. I expect that this process will conclude very shortly.”