Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:32. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of Garda vehicles operational in the following years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. [20845/13]
View answerThursday, 2 May 2013
Questions (32)
Written answers
Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational demands and in the light of available resources.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Garda fleet over the period referred to by the Deputy was as outlined in the table.
|
YEAR |
FLEET TOTAL |
|
2006 |
2,184 |
|
2007 |
2,305 |
|
2008 |
2,729 |
|
2009 |
2,814 |
|
2010 |
2,740 |
|
2011 |
2,623 |
|
2012 |
2,414 |
|
April 2013 |
2,497 |
The Deputy will be aware that an additional €3 million was made available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year which enabled the Force to procure a further 171 vehicles. This brought total investment in the Garda fleet in 2012 to €4 million and resulted in a total of 213 new vehicles being procured during the year. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the roll out of the most recently purchased patrol vehicles has been completed.
In addition to the investment provided in 2012, a specific allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in the current year. 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 deliver an effective and efficient policing service.