Thomas Pringle
Question:273. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of 1400 cc and 1500 cc motorcycles within the Garda fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39670/18]
View answerTuesday, 2 October 2018
Questions (273)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years.
The 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. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total in the period 2013 - 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles, including motorcycles, across the various Garda divisions 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 that matter. I am however informed that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 26 September 2018, there are 129 motorcycles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the largest motorcycles in the fleet are 1200 cc. Thus there are no motorcycles of the type specified by the Deputy within the Garda fleet.