Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
380. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda cars and vans allocated to the Garda dog unit in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the number of vehicles withdrawn from this unit during same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21890/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. 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.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently 14 vehicles attached to the Garda Dog unit.
I am further informed that the tables below set out the number of vehicles allocated to and removed from the Garda Dog unit in 2021 and up to 29 April 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
Vehicles allocated to the Garda Dog Unit
|
Allocations |
Cars |
Vans |
4x4 |
Total |
|
2021 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
2022 (at 29 April 2022) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Vehicles removed from the Garda Dog Unit
|
Removals |
Cars |
Vans |
4x4 |
Total |
|
2021 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
2022 (at 29 April 2022) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
