Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
690. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new unmarked Garda vans which came into the fleet in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the number of unmarked Garda vans withdrawn from the fleet during same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the purchase and allocation of Garda vehicles is determined on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources, and decisions regarding the purchase and allocation of Garda vehicles are reviewed on a continual basis.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows the number of unmarked Garda vans allocated to and withdrawn from the Garda fleet in 2021 and to date in 2022.
|
Garda Vans |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Allocated |
37 |
15 |
|
Withdrawn |
4 |
5 |
