Verona Murphy
Ceist:474. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of unmarked Garda motorcycles in the Garda fleet as of 15 February 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9489/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 February 2023
Ceisteanna (474)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), 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 role in such matters.
I can however assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of in excess of an unprecedented €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10 million has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
I am also assured 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 at 31 January 2023 there were 3,350 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of almost 8% since end December 2020 when there were 3,112 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am further informed that at 31 January 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 129 motorcycles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána does not provide information on the number of unmarked motorcycles attached to the fleet for operational security reasons.