Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
366. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of unmarked Garda Síochána cars that came into the fleet; were withdrawn from the fleet, during 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24719/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.
In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that 132 unmarked Garda cars were disposed of in 2014 with 141 new ones allocated in the same period.
The Deputy will be aware that to date, this Government has invested nearly €29 million in new Garda vehicles since 2012, marking a massive increase on the €4.8 million provided for by the previous Government in Budgets 2009-2011. The latest 370 new Garda vehicles have begun coming on stream since the start of this year. In addition, I recently allocated a further €700,000 for new specialised vehicles to support Gardaí in responding to current and emerging crime threats, including those committed by highly mobile gangs.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of resources at both Divisional and District level, including the provision and deployment of Garda Community Relations vans, is subject to ongoing analysis and review.
