Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
464. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional Garda cars and vans allocated to the Donegal Garda division in 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from this division during same period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21708/23]
View answerThe 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 €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
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 role in such matters.
I am however assured 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.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of cars and vans allocated to and removed from the Garda Fleet in Donegal Division in 2022 and in 2023 up to 30 April 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Donegal Division |
Cars Allocated |
Vans Allocated |
Cars Removed |
Vans Removed |
|
2023 up to 30 April |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
2022 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that at 30 April 2023 there were 3,392 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 2% since end December 2022 when there were 3,312 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. I am informed that as of the same date there were 80 vehicles assigned to Donegal Division.
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
