Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, it is a matter for the Commissioner to determine the allocation of new vehicles. I can tell the Deputy that there is no shortage of new vehicles. If the Deputy had visited, I suspect, the Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park this morning he would have seen a number of vehicles waiting to go out. A substantial number of vehicles were purchased towards the end of the year and they get fitted out for specific Garda requirements. They are allocated based on operational need by the Commissioner.

I cannot comment on the position in the district that the Deputy mentioned. If there is a need for a new or additional vehicle there then I expect that is something that has been communicated by the chief superintendent to Garda headquarters. There is a very substantial number of new vehicles being distributed. I think Deputy Finian McGrath was not here yet when we dealt with this matter. I detailed the numbers of new vehicles that have been acquired, the additional €4 million available this year for the purchase of new vehicles. It is an unprecedented number in a very short period of time despite the financial difficulties that exist. I would hope, Deputy Collins, that there is not a difficulty in the district he referenced. It may well be the case that they are about to be the recipients of some of the vehicles that were acquired at the end of December this year. I do not know the detail of that.