Catherine Murphy
Question:1073. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been provided in 2024 to purchase additional vehicles for Garda armed support units. [1089/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (1073)
Written answers
Budget 2024 provided an unprecedented budget of €2.3 billion for the Garda Vote, a total increase of 23% since 2020. The unprecedented level of investment into An Garda Síochána has enabled:
• The roll out of the highest number of mobility devices ever allowing all Gardaí to conduct certain policing tasks on the move.
• At the end December 2023 there were 3,420 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, including in the Armed Support Unit. This represents an increase of almost 10% since the end of December 2020.
• Major investment in new and refurbished stations.
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.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I can inform the Deputy that funding for continued capital investment in An Garda Síochána Fleet Management has been provided for under the 2021-2030 National Development Plan.
I am assured the number and types of vehicles to be procured with this funding will be based on identified operational needs. The availability of resources and will be reviewed on a continual basis.
I am further assured by the Garda Commissioner that currently there are sufficient resources available to the Armed Support Unit.