Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, there will be a net increase, depending on the area. The allocation is made by the Garda Commissioner. The priority is areas of need but the 287 new vehicles already been procured and the balance of approximately 13 or more to come before the end of the year will allow for a net increase. The latest figures I have show that 22% of the fleet is under two years old compared with 5% of the fleet being of that age in 2012. We are ensuring that, over a period of time, emphasis can be placed on replacing the older vehicles in the fleet that are standard vehicles with high powered cars, vans, motorcycles and 4x4 vehicles. I can give the Deputy a note on the position in Dundalk and County Louth but, as it is his constituency, he will be familiar with the situation in Drogheda where we saw a considerable increase in Garda numbers and appropriate equipment to meet a specific requirement in recent times.