Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2018
171. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated amount it would cost in 2019 of increasing the budget for purchasing new Garda vehicles by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40871/18]
View answerThe 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, 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.
€4.7 million was available for the purchase of vehicles for the Garda fleet in 2018. A 20% increase to this figure would represent a sum of €940,000.
However, it should be noted that under the Capital Plan, €10 million will be available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of vehicles in 2019.
