Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
301. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a contract has recently been put out for tender for the supply of new motorbikes for the Garda fleet; and if so, when she expects the new motorbikes to come into the fleet. [13145/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda 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, to ensure their optimum use.
As the Deputy may be aware, significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for 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.
Of this investment, a total of €9 million was made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. I am also informed that in order to protect the ongoing availability of vehicles and in anticipation of the impact of public health restrictions on motor factory or fit-out workplaces, 94 additional vehicles were purchased by the Garda authorities in March 2020 at a cost of €2.4m and fit-out costs of €600,000. In addition, a further 210 vehicles have been hired by An Garda Síochána this year, to provide additional capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 May 2020, there were 2,928 vehicles attached to the Garda Fleet, including vehicles attached to the national units and not including hired vehicles. I understand from the Garda authorities that this total includes 115 motorcycles.
Motorcycles for the Garda fleet are procured using a contract put in place by the Office of Government Procurement Contract.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has recently taken delivery of 25 new motorcycles and that these are expected to be allocated in the near future, when the necessary operational fit-out has been completed. Allocation will be a matter for the Commissioner and his management team, on the basis of identified operational demand.
