Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
471. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda Síochána vehicles, by type, that were in operation nationally at the end of each year since 2013; the number that are in operation as of November 2022 and the number of vehicles that are in operation in the Clare Garda Division. [56332/22]
View answer475. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda vehicles in each division, by type of vehicle, currently and in each of the past ten years. [56410/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 475 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), 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.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Fleet Management unit predict that 218 vehicles will reach end of life within the next 12 months. I am informed that the type and quantity of vehicles to be purchased in 2023 is currently under consideration.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that at 28 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,297 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of 37% since end December 2013 when there were 2,407 vehicles nationwide.
For the Deputy's information the attached spreadsheet sets out the number of vehicles by Division at end December 2012 up to end December 2021 and at 28 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available. I am advised that An Garda Síochána does not provide vehicle allocations by Garda Station for security reasons.
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
