The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including decisions on the allocation of Garda resources in light of identified operational demands. 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.
Significant capital investment continues to be made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for 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. The allocation of all vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.
The Garda authorities have provided this table, which has an annual breakdown of the number of allocations and removals of Garda 4 x 4 vehicles in the Garda Fleet from 31 December 2018 to 14 May 2021, inclusive.
|
Allocated
|
Removed
|
1 January - 14 May 2021
|
12
|
3
|
2020
|
8
|
1
|
2019
|
11
|
9
|
2018
|
21
|
14
|