Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
562. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if a recent contract for the provision of new Garda roads policing unit vans was put out to tender and if so, when the new vans will come into the fleet. [43892/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes decisions on the allocation of Garda resources, such as the distribution of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct 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 is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet over the period 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vehicle tenders and contracts for Garda vehicles are handled through the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). An Garda Síochána Fleet Management Section engage with OGP on an ongoing basis to agree their vehicle needs and specifications. The OGP put in place suitable contracts with suppliers and AGS draw down vehicles as required from these OGP contracts to meet their operational requirements.
Again, I have no role in these matters as Minister for Justice.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a contract is currently in place through the OGP for the purchase of small, medium and large vans with various specialist conversions up to 5 October 2022 with the option of a 12 month extension. I am further advised that there is no planned purchase of roads policing specific vans or conversions at present.
Separately, the Deputy may be interested to know that there are currently 3 Road Policing Vans attached to the fleet.
