Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2021
430. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding will be made available in 2021 to purchase additional Garda command and control vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2733/21]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there are now some 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide. Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new Gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff.
There will also be continued investment in the Garda Fleet of €8 million in addition to the highest ever investment of approximately €15 million in the Garda Transport Fleet in 2020 – a proportion of which relates to the Garda Covid response.
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for the distribution of Garda vehicles across the various Garda Divisions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number and type of vehicles that will be purchased in 2021 has not yet been determined.
I am further informed that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
