Bernard Durkan
Question:1382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if extra funding has been sought for by the Garda Commissioner for Garda car replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42374/22]
View answerThursday, 8 September 2022
Questions (1382)
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 for 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 at 31 August 2022 there were 3,299 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of 6% since December 2020.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that no additional capital funding for the replacement of Garda vehicles is required in 2022, as it is considered that sufficient funding has been provided within the 2022 Estimates for the replacement of Garda vehicles during 2022. As the Deputy will appreciate, funding requirements for 2023 will be determined as part of the Estimates process for 2023 in the normal way.