Paul Donnelly
Question:1383. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if a new tender for the provision of additional Garda public order unit vans will be put out before the end of 2021. [40328/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (1383)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration 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 advised by the Garda authorities that there were 29 public order vans attached to the Garda fleet at 23 July 2021, and that there are currently no plans to purchase public order vans.
I am further advised that all Garda vehicles are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement. A contract is currently in place through the Office of Government Procurement for the purchase of Garda Public Order Unit Vans up to 5 October 2022 with the option of a 12 month extension.