Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
480. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been secured for the purchase of additional Garda public order unit vans in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57428/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
Budget 2022 will provide over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána. Funding for the continual capital investment in An Garda Síochána Fleet Management has been provided for under the 2021-2030 National Development Plan. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number and types of vehicles to be procured with this funding will be based on identified operational needs and the availability of resources, and decisions regarding the purchase and allocation of Garda vehicles are reviewed on a continual basis. I am further informed that the type and quantity of vehicles to be purchased in 2022 is currently under consideration.
For the Deputy's information, the Garda Authorities have provided the below table, outlining the number of public order vans currently deployed in the Garda fleet, broken down by region, as at 22 November 2021.
|
Region |
Total |
|
DMR |
18 |
|
Eastern |
4 |
|
North/West |
3 |
|
Southern |
5 |
|
Total: |
30 |
