Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned Operation Acer, which has had a degree of success in the Dublin area where it is being trialled. Is it intended to roll that out to the greater Dublin area and to the commuter belt? To date, approximately 200 people have been convicted and a further 380 are due to appear before the courts arising from that operation. It is important to convey the message to people living in the greater Dublin area and in the commuter belt that this operation will continue. Will the Minister address that? Can it be replicated in other larger cities such as Limerick, Cork and Galway, outside the areas where Operation Fiacla is currently under way? I referred earlier to response times, which is a critical issue in investigating crime. The Minister referred to the road networks. The road network being so enhanced affects the greater Dublin area because criminals are so mobile these days.

On the management of the Garda Síochána fleet, I accept that the Minister has allocated an extra €3 million which will purchase approximately 170 vehicles. However, that has been described to me as merely a sticking plaster by some quite senior members of the Garda. Does the Minister believe there is merit in having a five year capital budget framework for An Garda Síochána to allow for proper fleet management? We are in fire fighting mode in terms of managing the Garda fleet. Cars are involved in accidents and being written off and cars must be decommissioned when they reach 300,000 kilometres. The effectiveness and efficiency of the Garda are being diminished by the lack of adequate transport. There is merit in considering the introduction of a five year capital budget that is ring-fenced for the provision of vehicles. What are the Minister's views on that?

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