Alan Kelly
Ceist:1240. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been sought by the Garda Commissioner for the purchase of additional high powered unmarked Garda cars. [39301/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMonday, 11 September 2023
Ceisteanna (1240)
Freagraí scríofa
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 in excess of €2 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 these independent functions.
I am 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 that at the 31 August 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,467 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 11% since the end of December 2020.
I am further advised that at the end of August 2023, there were 2,650 cars attached to the Garda fleet, which includes 1,057 marked cars and 1,593 unmarked cars. This represents an increase of 13% since the end of December 2020.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that funding for the continual capital investment in An Garda Síochána Fleet Management has been provided for under the 2021-2030 National Development Plan.
I am further informed that the number and types of vehicles to be procured with this funding is based on identified operational needs, the availability of resources and will be reviewed on a continual basis.