Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019
257. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda mountain bikes purchased in 2018 and to date in 2019; if funding has been secured in 2020 for the purchase of extra mountain bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47305/19]
View answerIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner is also responsible for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources, including purchase and allocation of mountain bikes, in light of operational demand. As Minister I have no role in these matters. I understand however 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.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion which is increasing further to a total of €1.88 billion for 2020.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including €92 million this year, increasing further to €116.5 million for 2020.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 30 mountain bikes were purchased in 2018. I am further informed that no mountain bikes have been purchased to date in 2019, but that it is intended to purchase additional mountain bikes in 2020.
The number of additional mountain bikes which will be purchased in 2020 has yet to be determined by Garda management. However Garda management has confirmed to me that the Garda vote for 2020 includes sufficient funding for the purchase of such additional mountain bikes as are determined by the Commissioner to be required for operational use.
