Catherine Murphy
Question:542. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of vehicles in the Garda armed support units that were withdrawn from the fleet in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [26156/22]
View answerTuesday, 24 May 2022
Questions (542)
Written answers
The 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 to An Garda Síochána, 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 informed by the Garda authorities that one vehicle was removed from the armed support unit in 2021 and no vehicles have been removed from the unit to date in 2022. I am further informed that it is intended to add an additional 10 new vehicles to the armed support unit in 2022.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.