Jennifer Whitmore
Question:
540. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice the amount of funding which was set aside in Budget 2021 to purchase new Garda vehicles; the number of new Garda vehicle purchases that were electric vehicles; if not electric, the reason for not purchasing electric vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54594/21]
View answer
I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information sought by the Deputy. Unfortunately, this report was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 540 of 9 November 2021 where you asked:
“….the amount of funding which was set aside in Budget 2021 to purchase new Garda vehicles; the number of new Garda vehicle purchases that were electric vehicles; if not electric, the reason for not purchasing electric vehicles.”
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the report was to hand.
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all operational policing decisions relating to the needs of the Garda fleet and in particular the rationale for the purchase, or non-purchase, of a class or classes of vehicle for the Garda fleet. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions and am unable to comment on the rationale for the purchase, or non-purchase, of a particular class or classes of vehicle by the Garda authorities.
I have been advised, however, that €8 million was provided from the Garda Vote from Budget 2021 for the purchase and fit out of vehicles for the Garda fleet. Of the vehicles allocated to the fleet to the end of October (the latest date for when figures are available) a total of seven vehicles are electric vehicles.
An Garda Síochána have further advised that they are engaged with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to provide the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the existing electric vehicles, and the planned investment in electric vehicles, within the fleet over the coming years.
I hope that this information is of assistance.
