Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
568. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles that were decommissioned in each of the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; the number of vehicles with which they were replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7935/14]
View answerThe provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the number of vehicles purchased and decommissioned during the periods referred to by the Deputy is as shown in the following table:
|
YEAR |
New Vehicles Purchased |
Vehicles Decommissioned |
|
13 Feb 2014 |
- |
69 |
|
31 Dec 2013 |
438 |
344 |
|
31 Dec 2012 |
213 |
324 |
|
31 Dec 2011 |
52 |
306 |
I am, of course, conscious of the importance of the Garda fleet and, in that regard, the Deputy will be aware that I recently secured a further €9 million for investment in the fleet. This investment resulted in the purchase of 305 new Garda vehicles towards the end of 2013, at a cost of €5 million. These were in addition to the 133 new Garda vehicles which had already been procured during the year. The remaining €4 million has been made available for the purchase and fit out of Garda vehicles in 2014.
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.
