Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:580. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice when she expects the 17 new Garda public order unit vans to come into the fleet. [55365/23]
View answerTuesday, 12 December 2023
Questions (580)
Written answers
I am committed to supporting An Garda Síochána in their mission of keeping people safe. The unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
An additional €4.4 million was allocated for the purchase of 95 additional Garda cars and vans by the end of this year, including 17 public order Garda vans which will be deployed in our towns and cities across the country to provide further reassurance for people, businesses and communities. It also includes 38 new fully electric patrol cars and 40 unmarked surveillance cars. This is in addition to 10 community policing vans which are currently being prepared for deployment.
The Deputy will be aware that all Garda vehicles are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement. Generally, An Garda Síochána draw down from Garda specification lots within these OGP contracts. I understand that a contract is currently in place through the Office of Government Procurement for the purchase of Garda Public Order Unit Vans up to 15 September 2024 with the option of a 6 month extension. The Deputy will appreciate, the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
The table below, shows the number of public order vans, attached to the Garda Fleet by Region as at end of November.
|
Region |
As at 30 November 2023 |
|
Southern |
5 |
|
North/West Region |
3 |
|
Eastern Region |
4 |
|
DMR Region |
18 |
|
Total: |
30 |