Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
413. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding has been made available in 2020 for the purchase of additional Garda public order unit vans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles, in accordance with operational demand. 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, to ensure their optimum use.
The resources allocated by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation of €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. 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.
I understand from the Garda authorities that last year's capital allocation was assigned for the purchase and fit-out of over 300 new vehicles for operational use. In relation to the vehicle type referred to by the Deputy, I am informed that 15 public order vans were added to the Garda fleet during 2019.
A total of €9 million has been allocated specifically for purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2020. The number and type of vehicles which will be purchased with this allocation as well as the Divisions to which those new vehicles will be assigned are entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the breakdown of the number and type of vehicles to be purchased and fitted out in 2020 has not yet been decided.
