Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 March 2013
87. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars that have been taken off the road in the past three years; the number of these that have been replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13484/13]
View answerDecisions in relation to the provision and deployment of Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner. In that context I am advised by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda vehicles procured and the number of vehicles decommissioned in the period referred to by the Deputy were as detailed in the following table:
|
Year |
Procured |
Decommissioned |
|
2010 |
165 |
124 |
|
2011 |
52 |
306 |
|
2012 |
213 |
324 |
With regard to Garda transport generally, the Deputy will appreciate that decisions in this area are made by the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and available resources. In that connection the Deputy may be aware that currently the Garda authorities are rolling out a supply of 171 new vehicles which have been procured by means of an additional allocation of €3 million I made available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year. These vehicles are being deployed on the basis of operational needs.
In addition, I am advised by the Garda authorities that, arising from the financial provision of €5 million in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013, arrangements are being made to place an order for further new vehicles which, the Deputy can be assured, will be deployed as effectively as possible.
This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.
