Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
871. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been provided in 2024 to purchase larger Garda prisoner transport trucks; the number of Garda prisoner transport trucks that entered the fleet to date in 2023; the number of Garda prisoner transport trucks withdrawn from the fleet to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48739/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and a further €2.3 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, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
Garda authorities have informed me that, at the end of October 2023, there were 3,440 vehicles assigned to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 10% since the end of December 2020, when there were 3,112 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet nationwide.
I am informed that no Prisoner Transport Trucks have been allocated to, or removed from, the Garda fleet in 2022 or to date in 2023.
