Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:284. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of four wheel drive vehicles attached to each division in the Dublin region as of 12 November 2019. [47875/19]
View answerTuesday, 19 November 2019
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Written answers
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. I am also pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Síochána budget for 2020 to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for 2020.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. A total of €10 million capital funding was made for the purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2019 and I understand from the Garda authorities that this is being used for purchase and fit-out of over 300 new vehicles this year. €9 million capital funding has been allocated for the Garda fleet for 2020. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner is also responsible for the efficient use of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 October 2019, there were ten 4x4 vehicles in the DMR. I understand that on that date, 3 were assigned to DMR North Central, 2 were assigned to DMR South, 1 to DMR East, 1 to DMR North and 3 were assigned specifically to DMR Traffic.
It is important to note however that the Garda fleet is made up of vehicles in a range of different categories. I am informed that as of 31 October 2019, there were a total of 529 vehicles assigned to the Divisions in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.