Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason thousands of euro are spent on repairing old and unsafe Garda vehicles as replacing them with new vehicles would be more financially prudent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5765/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Garda Fleet Management policy is designed to ensure that Garda vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines so as to afford the greatest possible safety to Garda personnel.

Over the last number of years there has been a sustained programme of investment in Garda vehicles in terms of maintenance, running expenses and new purchases amounting to some €72 million in the period 2007 to 2009. In addition, in 2006 a major capital injection was made with the purchase of over 1,300 new vehicles. This prudent investment has enabled both the expansion of the fleet as well as lowering its age profile with consequent benefits to Garda members in terms of health and safety and lower maintenance costs. Since September 2006 the size of the fleet has increased by approximately 25% with some 70% of vehicles under 4 years old.