Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's interest in specific legislation relating to this issue which he has sent to my Department and which we are examining. He refers to the further use of mandatory prison sentences. I refer to the Law Reform Commission report on sentencing and its views on the existing presumptive mandatory minimum sentence provision for various offences. The recent report on penal policy stated that no further mandatory sentences or presumptive minimum sentences should be introduced. However, those issues are under consideration by my Department.

The Deputy asked about the number of gardaí who have been injured in such incidents. I do not have those figures to hand but I will supply them to the Deputy. I can provide information on the number of Garda vehicles rammed in recent years. In 2010, 66 vehicles were rammed; 55 vehicles in 2011; 61 vehicles in 2012; 63 vehicles in 2013. These are serious incidents which occur every year. I take the Deputy's point about investment in Garda vehicles. More upgraded Garda vehicles are available as a result of the increased funding. I hope this will ensure that the Garda vehicles in use are sufficiently robust. Nevertheless, the actions of criminals have the potential to cause serious injury or death in the circumstances described by the Deputy.

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