I propose to take Questions Nos. 785 and 786 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that the withdrawal of Garda vehicles from service is an on-going process. In the overall context I am very pleased that arrangements have been put in place, with special funding being made available for that purpose, to allow the Garda authorities to purchase a significant number of new vehicles. This has been done at a time of severe budgetary constraints and it represents a substantial investment in Garda transport. I have no doubt that the provision of the additional 170 vehicles, which will be commissioned in December/January, will considerably strengthen the overall effectiveness of the Force in delivering a policing service throughout the country.
The allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his operational requirements. In turn, at Garda Divisional level, the allocation of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Chief Superintendent who may make and revise arrangements for the deployment of vehicles throughout a Division in response to policing demands. This flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match resources with policing priorities, is crucial to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that the deployment of all vehicles is subject to on-going analysis and review to ensure that available resources are allocated throughout the Force to meet policing demands as efficiently as possible, including the policing requirements of rural communities.