Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
509. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda roads policing vans added to the fleet in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023; and the number of roads policing vans withdrawn during the same period. [6966/23]
View answerAs 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 operational role in such matters.
I am advised 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 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 record funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no new Garda roads policing vans were added to the fleet in 2022 up to 31 January 2023, and none were withdrawn during the same period. I am further informed by Gardaí that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publishes information on the Garda fleet on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
