Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
442. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding will be provided for the purchase of additional unmarked vans for the Garda public order unit; the number of unmarked vans in the Garda public order unit within the fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43052/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. 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 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 purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources. The number and type of vehicles that will be purchased in 2021 has not yet been determined.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 5 November, there are a total of 29 vehicles categorised as public order vans deployed nationally across all Garda regions. There is currently one unmarked van fitted with capacity for 4-5 Garda members and two individual cells for transporting prisoners within the Garda fleet. There is a further unmarked van with a capacity for 5 members and 2 individual cells for transporting prisoners currently being fitted out and due for allocation before the end of 2020.
The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
