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 €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
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.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Garda roads policing unit cars that were allocated to and removed from the Garda fleet in 2022 up to 30 April 2023.
|
Allocated
|
Removed
|
2022
|
7
|
13
|
As at 30 April 2023
|
11
|
2
|
I am advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.