Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me an opportunity to discuss a matter of national interest, one which has been the subject of considerable scrutiny, discussion and, I regret, misinformation in this House and beyond. I am reminded of some of the comments made by Deputy Mattie McGrath on Garda transportation and the Garda fleet. What is the current position regarding the upgrading of the Garda fleet and other equipment gardaí require in the performance of their daily duties? Is it not the case that the previous Fianna Fáil led Administration put Garda lives at risk by allowing many Garda vehicles to become so run down that they would have failed the national car test?

Following the comments of the Taoiseach during Leaders' Questions yesterday, what provision has the Minister made to upgrade the Garda fleet? Will the Minister comment on the position he inherited on taking office in respect of Garda vehicles and equipment? Will he outline what are his plans to correct the mess he inherited and the timeframe for doing so? What works does he have planned in this regard? I am disappointed, given the serious nature of this issue and the problems the Minister inherited, that no Fianna Fáil Party Deputies are present to bear witness to this discussion, especially given some of the comments that have been made on the issue.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Minister for Justice and Equality has asked me to thank the Deputy for raising this matter. Decisions on the provision and deployment of Garda transport are principally matters for the Garda Commissioner. Such decisions are based on the Commissioner’s identified operational requirements and the availability of resources.

At Garda divisional level, it is for the chief superintendent to make appropriate arrangements for the distribution of vehicles throughout the division in response to policing demands. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is crucial to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.

The Minister has been advised by the Garda authorities that the deployment of Garda transport is determined on the basis of ongoing analysis and review of the policing needs of each division to ensure resources are utilised to optimum advantage to meet the operational demands on the force. Garda patrol vehicles are taken out of service for a variety of reasons, including as a result of accidents or where the odometer reading reaches the safety limit set by the relevant manufacturer. In that regard, the safety of Garda personnel and members of the public is a priority for the Garda authorities.

The Minister has also been informed that there are 111 Garda vehicles attached to the Dublin metropolitan west division, of which 23 are allocated to the Clondalkin Garda district.

With specific regard to the issues raised by the Deputy, the Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that the current allocation of vehicles provided for the Clondalkin district makes the best use of the available resources. In addition, they have indicated that a comprehensive policing service is being delivered within the district and to the communities it serves.

To provide some of the information sought by the Deputy, the Minister is aware of the demands placed on the Garda fleet. In this context, he made an additional €3 million available the Garda towards the end of last year to enable the Garda Commissioner to procure a further 171 vehicles. This brought total investment in the fleet in 2012 to €4 million and resulted in a total of 213 new vehicles being procured during the year. The introduction of the most recently purchased transports is ongoing and the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible, in line with operational circumstances, including the policing needs of the Clondalkin district.

In addition, a further allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and outfitting of Garda transport in 2013. This represents a considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of the Minister's commitment to ensuring that, to the greatest extent possible, the Garda is supplied with the appropriate resources to enable it to provide an effective and efficient policing service.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State and ask him to convey my thanks to the Minister for Justice and Equality. Not only was the Minister of State's reply comprehensive, but it was also revealing. An additional €3 million was provided last year, the total figure being €4 million. In addition, an estimated €5 million will be provided in 2013. I am mindful of the pressures that the Minister and other Departments are under thanks to the limited resources available to them in trying to put our public finances in order, a situation inherited by the Government, while recognising the need to provide the Garda with additional resources, given the pressures facing many people in Dublin and beyond in terms of personal safety. I hope that the Minister of State's reply will put paid to unhelpful misinformation, which has been of little comfort.

Given the important days that are in it, I will make a point in conclusion. I have worked in community development, particularly the voluntary sector, for the past 35 years, including 14 years while in public life - two years in the Dáil and 12 years on a local authority. At all times during that period, I have worked closely with the Garda. While we are prioritising our work and putting our finances in order, I am saddened by the concerns expressed by many of the gardaí with whom I have worked and whom I respect. I know of their situations. It is important that everyone focus on entering the discussions, leaving aside the placards and protests and giving the negotiations every possible opportunity. If everyone plays a part, there is every chance that we will have the opportunity to hear and find solutions to groups' concerns.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I cannot put the matter any further than the Deputy has. I emphasise that these are additional resources. Perhaps the most important resources required by the Garda to do the job we expect of it are mobile resources, given the nature of policing.

I am unsure of whether the provision on the record of accurate information is likely to put paid to the dissemination of inaccurate information. I share the Deputy's hope in that regard, but I will not hold my breath.