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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Transport.

Denis Naughten

Question:

833 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in replacing vehicles in the Garda fleet with vehicles which conform to the silver and blue colouring agreed as a European norm for police vehicles; when the Garda authorities will start to specify this colour scheme in invitations for tenders for the supply of marked Garda vehicles; if a programme of re-spraying existing vehicles is contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1508/03]

I understand that the question of colour schemes for marked police vehicles is a matter of each EU member state. Currently the Garda Síochána use "diamond grade" yellow and blue markings on patrol vehicles and tender for vehicles on that basis. At the moment, the Garda Síochána has no plans to specify a silver and blue colour scheme in invitations to tender for marked Garda vehicles. The question of vehicle conspicuity is one that is continually under review, having regard to the safety of Garda personnel, public visibility and general law enforcement. The best advice available is used in coming to any decision regarding the choice of colouring and markings for patrol vehicles.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

834 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the popularity of the Garda Síochána's horse unit when they operate in the Tallaght Garda district; if he will confirm plans for the further development of the unit to ensure that Tallaght continues to get special attention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1541/03]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that as part of the Garda Commissioner's annual policing plan for 2002, the Garda mounted unit in conjunction with local Garda resources and the Garda air support and dog units carried out intensive patrolling of the Tallaght district in addition to normal policing arrangements during two dedicated periods in April and November 2002. The intensive targeted patrolling was welcomed by the local community.

The Garda mounted unit has recently seen an increase in resources with extra allocation of Garda and mounts. The deployment of the Garda mounted unit for the second quarter of 2003 is currently being considered and the Tallaght district is included in these considerations. Tallaght retailers and management of The Square shopping complex have kindly come forward to present an additional horse to the Garda mounted unit and this will be presented on 24 February 2003. The extra allocation of a horse will assist in providing additional patrols where feasible.

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