Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013
438. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will allocate funding for the purchase of additional vehicles for the Garda Traffic Corps later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15101/13]
View answerThe financial provision in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013 is €5 million. The funding will enable An Garda Síochána to obtain and fit out a significant number of new vehicles and it is a matter which is under active consideration by the Garda authorities. At this stage, however, the specific details involved have yet to be finalised but the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible in line with operational circumstances, including the requirements of the Traffic Corps.
The allocation of the €5 million 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.
Furthermore, as the Deputy will be aware, I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year, enabling the Force to procure a total of 213 vehicles in 2012. In this context I understand that over 170 vehicles are in the process of being rolled out across the country, on the basis of a detailed analysis of the operational commitments of the Force.
