Vol. 475 No. 8
182 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda vehicles in use throughout the country; the reason for the allocation of these vehicles; the percentage of days when such vehicles are not in use; the reason therefor; whether there is room for greater efficiency in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6277/97]
The allocation and utilisation of the Garda fleet is a matter for the Garda authorities.
They have informed me that the number of Garda vehicles in use throughout the country as of 1 January 1997 was 1810 and that the allocation of Garda vehicles to particular areas is based on consideration of a number of matters including population, criminal activity, availability of Garda drivers, special needs such as traffic, serious crimes etc.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that Garda vehicles which are allocated to Garda districts are in use every day, except when vehicles are being serviced or repaired. Certain specialised units within the Garda Síochána operate a five day week while other units are subject to call out at any time and could work every day for a number of weeks. The daily usage of transport allocated to such units will vary according to the changes in working hours and days.
The allocation and deployment of the Garda fleet is under continuous review by the Garda authorities and, at present, a computerised fleet management system is being installed which, when fully implemented later this year, will provide for greater efficiency with regard to the management of all aspects of the Garda fleet including utilisation levels.
