Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2018
103. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be provided for the updating of the equipment and resources available to Garda public order units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16959/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles and resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
Regarding the current position and in relation to Garda personnel, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are Gardaí with specialist training in public order policing in each Division who are available to be called upon, when required, to police events involving an increased risk of a public order incident occurring, for example protests or large-scale public events. As such, there are no Gardaí assigned to public order units on a full time basis. The number called upon in any given case is dependent on the nature of the event.
As of 16 April 2018, 12 public order vans are available to An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46million for investment in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, in the period 2013 to end of 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a review of the equipment and resources available to the Garda Public Order Units is currently being carried out under the auspices of the Assistant Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Region. I am further informed that following completion of this review, it is intended that any deficiencies identified will be addressed within the budget available to An Garda Síochána.
