Martin Kenny
Ceist:
312. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized as evidence and kept in Garda possession that were destroyed before the evidence could be presented in court since 2010; the location these events took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11920/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The information requested by the Deputy is not maintained by my Department.
I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 312 which was for answer on 23 July 2020, in which you asked the number of vehicles seized as evidence and kept in Garda possession that were destroyed before the evidence could be presented in court since 2010; the location these events took place. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information/data required for this Parliamentary question is not held in a format that can be accessed centrally, and therefore cannot be determined in a manner that can be accurately validated, without the expenditure of an inordinate amount of time and resources.
I understand that in Divisions where no facilities for the storage of vehicles exist in Garda Stations, Divisions tender for such services. Tenders for the storage of vehicles are awarded locally by Divisional Officers following a comprehensive tendering process. As part of any such tendering process applicant companies are required to meet certain security criteria, and submit to an evaluation by the Local Crime Prevention Officer. In cases where incidents, such as mentioned in the above Parliamentary question occur, the incident is fully investigated and the premises where the vehicle is stored will be the subject of a further security review.
I trust this information is of assistance.
