Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
190. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 509 of 13 December 2022, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4988/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Question No. 509 of 13 December 2022 refers to the Garda districts within the Dublin metropolitan region that have received additional Garda mountain bikes to date in 2022.
As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 556 mountain bikes nationally.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that that there were no new mountain bikes issued centrally to the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2022.
The allocation of mountain bikes to assist members of An Garda Síochána with the policing of communities has been transformative in their mission to keep people safe. The use of this method of delivering policing by personnel in all Divisions nationwide has made Garda members more accessible to the public, and provided increased visibility to our communities across Ireland.
An Garda Síochána are committed to the continued use of this means of policing, and have advised that on two occasions tenders for the procurement of additional mountain bikes to replace and strengthen current fleet were advertised.
I am informed that neither tender raised a bid for this contract, and upon further investigation of the circumstances surrounding this, it has been established that the Covid-19 pandemic, allied to substantial shortages in the supply chain were overriding factors in the tender not being awarded.
It is intended to once again return to the market and seek a tender for the provision of mountain bikes in 2023. Consideration is also being given to the specification of bicycle available/required to ensure a successful process is undertaken.
I understand that Garda Divisions and Districts currently in possession of mountain bikes are encouraged to ensure the upkeep and repairs of bikes currently on hand, to achieve maximum benefit from allocated mountain bikes.
