Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
346. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of unmarked cars and vans attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau as of 31 December 2018 and 26 February 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4176/20]
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. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, 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, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 19 cars and 5 vans were attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau as of 31 December 2018; and that 22 cars and 4 vans were attached to the Bureau as of 28 February 2020.
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. 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.
Of this investment, a total of €9 million has been made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. Decisions on the number and type of vehicles to be purchased as well as their allocation within An Garda Síochána, are matters for the Garda Commissioner and not for me as Minister.
