Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1211. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budgetary provision for the purchase of new equipment and vehicles for An Garda Síochána in 2018; the provision in 2019; the capital expenditure in that regard; the expected purchases in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35262/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement and provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
€1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017. €1.61 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2017 which, in itself, was an increase of approximately €60 million over the allocation for 2016 (€1.55 billion as in the 2016 revised estimates).
The 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 will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the expenditure involved in relation to purchase and fit-out of vehicles for the Garda fleet was €5.645 million in 2017, will be €4.7 million in 2018 and that the projected expenditure for 2019 is €10 million.
Regarding budgetary provision more generally, the Deputy may also wish to be aware that €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community. This total includes provision for €40 million in 2018 and €64.8 million in 2019 and will involve delivery of a broad range of projects associated with the Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme.
