Shane Cassells
Ceist:250. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and type of Garda vehicles in operation in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46328/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 November 2019
Ceisteanna (250, 251)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:251. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and type of Garda vehicles in operation in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46329/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. He is also responsible for the efficient use of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that number and type of Garda vehicles assigned to the Meath and Westmeath Divisions as of 30 September 2019 is set out in the following table.
|
County |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Others* |
Total |
|
Meath |
41 |
12 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
55 |
|
Westmeath |
52 |
15 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
73 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion, increasing to an unprecedented €1.88 billion for 2020.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. I understand from the Garda authorities that this year's capital allocation of €10million for the Garda fleet is being used for purchase and fit-out of over 300 new vehicles for operational use this year. A further €9 million capital funding has been allocated for the Garda fleet in Budget 2020.
This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.