Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
609. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if a new contract will be put out shortly for the provision of additional large sized Garda public order unit vans; the last time that new Garda public order unit vans came into the fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8243/22]
View answerAs 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 deployment 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 Garda vehicles are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement. The current contract came into effect in November 2020 and it is understood the Office for Government Procurement are currently progressing new tenders.
I am further advised that Public Order vans were most recently commissioned into the Garda fleet in 2019, when fifteen Peugeot Boxer vans were purchased to meet requirements.
