Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1219. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda Technical Bureau to date in 2023; and the number of vehicles withdrawn from the Garda Technical Bureau to date in 2023. [38859/23]
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 in excess of €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 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.
I am advised that on the 31 August 2023, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 15 vehicles assigned to the Garda Technical Bureau. This includes, 10 cars, four vans, and one 4x4. I am further advised that no vehicles were assigned or removed from the Technical Bureau in 2023. I am also advised that the figures provided are operational and may be subject to change.
