Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013
500. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to deal with the problems in An Garda Síochána due to the fleet of cars being at an all time low (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9946/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational demands and in the light of available resources.
The Deputy will be aware that I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year enabling the Commissioner to procure a further 171 Garda vehicles. This brought total investment in the Garda fleet in 2012 to €4 million and resulted in a total of 213 new vehicles being procured during the year. The roll out of the most recently purchased transport is on-going and the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible.
In addition, a further allocation of €5 million is being provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport this year. 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.
