The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Under this legislation, 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 and units. As Minister, I have no role in these decisions. 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.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as at 26 March 2021, there are 116 motorbikes attached to the Roads Policing Bureau.
I am informed that 26 motorbikes were allocated to roads policing duty in 2020 and 15 motorbikes have been allocated to roads policing in 2021. I am further advised that no motorbikes were withdrawn from duty during this period.