Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
187. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles allocated to the Garda Traffic Corps as of 1 April 2013; if he will provide same as of 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17760/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the provision and deployment of Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner. Such decisions are made on the basis of ongoing analysis of An Garda Síochána's operational requirements.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the Garda Traffic Corps is provided in the following table:
|
Date |
Total number of vehicles |
|
As at 1/4/13 |
276 |
|
As at 31/12/12 |
289 |
It should be noted that, whilst certain Garda vehicles may be designated as Traffic Corps vehicles by reason of their livery, all Garda vehicles are required to engage in traffic policing as part of their routine duties.
Overall, 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 financial provision in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013 is €5 million. The funding will enable An Garda Síochána to obtain a significant number of new vehicles and it is a matter which is under active consideration by the Garda authorities. At this stage, however, the specific details involved have yet to be finalised but the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible in line with operational circumstances, including the requirements of the Traffic Corps.
The allocation of the €5 million 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.
