Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2018
129. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda community relations vans that came into the fleet in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of community relations vans that were withdrawn from the fleet in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21695/18]
View answerThe Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, in the period 2013 to 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the 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. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 15 May 2018, 14 vehicles are allocated to community relations nationwide. I understand from the Garda authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis and that vehicles are allocated between districts as required by operational circumstances.
I have further been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of community relations vans (personnel carriers or minibuses) allocated to or withdrawn from the fleet in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 are as follows:
|
Year |
Allocated |
Withdrawn |
|
2016 |
3 |
6 |
|
2017 |
3 |
5 |
|
2018 |
0 |
0 |
I understand from the Garda authorities that it is not intended to purchase additional community relations vans in 2018.
