Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
499. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount spent on purchasing new Garda public order equipment in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [71290/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational matters. This includes the provision of equipment for specialist units. Under the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is also the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána and is responsible for the Garda budget.
I understand that for the purposes of compiling this information, An Garda Síochána have considered “public order equipment” as the equipment that the organisation provides to Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) members to allow them complete their task of public order policing. This includes GNPOU uniform, PPE, shields and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that expenditure on public order equipment in that regard amounted to €6.37 million in 2024 and €0.97 million in 2025, as of 20 August 2025, the latest date for which this information is available.
This information is subject to revision as invoices are processed and payments are issued.
The following provides a breakdown of the principal items purchased in 2024 and those ordered in 2025:
|
Item |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Balaclavas |
€23,935.80 |
€0.00 |
|
Boots |
€31,567.67 |
€0.00 |
|
FR Base Layers |
€56,027.27 |
€0.00 |
|
Kit Bags |
€22,964.10 |
€0.00 |
|
GNPOU Gloves |
€77,830.12 |
€0.00 |
|
GNPOU Helmet Markings |
€0.00 |
€602.70 |
|
MK9 Incapacitant Spray |
€325,821.34 |
€0.00 |
|
Peter Jones Holster |
€21,525.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Riot Overalls |
€392,786.48 (GBP Conversion) |
€0.00 |
|
Importation and VAT |
€35,972.50 |
€0.00 |
|
Round Shields |
€114,205.50 |
€0.00 |
|
Groin Protectors |
€56,272.50 |
€0.00 |
|
Torso Protectors |
€218,595.60 |
€0.00 |
|
Trifold Cuffs and Equipment |
€51,015.48 |
€0.00 |
|
Replacement Helmet Visors |
€8,271.75 |
€19,869.42 |
|
Utility Belt Helmet Clips |
€1,476.00 |
€0.00 |
|
New Public Order Body Armour - Following Tender |
€2,738,415.00 |
€912,805 |
|
Barriers and Equipment for GNPOU |
€110,476.30 |
€32,715.54 |
|
GNPOU Vehicles incl Water Cannons |
€2,085,482.51 |
€0.00 |
|
TOTAL |
€6,372,640.92
|
€965.992.66 |
I am informed that water cannon vehicles were paid for in 2024 and delivered in 2025. Body armour was ordered in 2024 and, to secure the shortest possible lead time, was also paid for in 2024 as agreed with the supplier. A further order for 500 more units of body armour has not yet been finalised so there is no current spend to record.
An Garda Síochána are investing heavily in public order equipment. The new GNPOU body armour and protectors are top of the range and when delivered will provide members with unprecedented levels of protection, comfort and flexibility. An Garda Síochána are also currently trialling a new two-piece GNPOU suit and alternative GNPOU helmet, following which a tender process will be undertaken.
