Mr. Drew Harris:

The uniform was implemented in full consultation with the associations. We buy very good equipment. It may not be branded but, specifically, I know the brand of the coats we purchased and it is a very recognisable brand. Undoubtedly, the uniform is a far superior product in terms of its serviceability and operational purposes. It is the responsibility of Garda members to seek replacement. The uniform does get wear and tear and it is then their responsibility to seek replacement.

In respect of the vehicles, the vehicle fleet has grown by a third since 2018. A particular vehicle that was being used a lot as a patrol vehicle is being replaced by what I regard to be a superior vehicle.

We have improved the safety of individuals in that we have high-visibility markings on Garda vehicles. That goes for the uniform too. The equipment, the availability of ICT, serviceable uniforms and the protective equipment available to members have all moved on in recent years.

With regard to morale, I meet a lot of gardaí. I go around to a lot of stations and I find people in good spirits in the work they are doing, although there are things they would like changed. The burden in respect of the number of calls and the administration that flows from that is reflected to me. We are looking at ways to make that more efficient and to speed things up but many of the processes we have had to put in place relate to accountability for the use of coercive powers. We are in the third decade of the 21st century. That involves using ICT, being accountable and having a record of our dealings with the public. That is a standard but we want to make it as efficient as possible. There is no point in having gardaí effectively sitting at terminals all of the time. That is not what we want. That is why we have put mobile devices in their hands and why we are giving those devices more and more capabilities. These capabilities include checking driver and insurance details.