I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Garda fleet for the years 2010 to date is as outlined in the table below:
YEAR
|
FLEET TOTAL
|
2010
|
2,740
|
2011
|
2,623
|
2012
|
2,414
|
31st January 2013
|
2,402
|
The Deputy will be aware that an additional 213 new vehicles were purchased in 2012 on foot of an investment of €4 million. These new vehicles are currently being rolled out to Garda Divisions throughout the country. In addition, a further provision of €5 million has been made available for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013. This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.