Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
856. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans that will come into the fleet during 2023; the number of Garda public order unit vans withdrawn from the fleet during 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36467/23]
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 over €2 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 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 30 June 2023, the Public Order Unit fleet stands at 30 vans. I am advised that no vans were allocated or removed from the Public Order Unit fleet in 2022 or 2023 (up to 30 June).
