Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
281. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional marked motorcycles allocated to the roads policing unit in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; if this number will be further increased in 2018; the number of motorcycles withdrawn from the roads policing unit in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23333/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I can confirm, however, that this Government is fully committed to tackle all forms of criminality and this is evidenced by the increased allocation of resources to An Garda Síochána in recent times.
The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to marked motorcycles is outlined in the following table:
Marked motorcycles allocated to and withdrawn from Roads Policing
(*all figures as at 31 December unless otherwise stated)
|
Year |
Allocated |
Withdrawn |
|
2015 |
0 |
32 |
|
2016 |
48 |
11 |
|
2017 |
0 |
11 |
|
2018 (as at 28 May) |
3 |
4 |
I understand from the Garda authorities that as of 29 May 2018 there are 115 motorcycles in the Garda fleet, of which 92 are attached to Roads Policing. The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed by the Garda authorities on a continual basis and vehicles are allocated between districts as required by operational circumstances. I further understand from the Garda authorities that it is not planned to purchase additional motorcycles in 2018.
