Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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302. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the transport that was available to gardaí to carry out their duties during the inclement weather during the week of 28 February 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11833/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources.  I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the position of the Garda fleet on 28 February 2018 was as follows:

I am further informed that during the recent inclement weather, An Garda Síochána leased some vehicles to supplement the fleet.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.

In the period 2013 to end of 2017, a total of almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet, with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.