Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress on the programme to increase Garda visibility and mobility by providing them with mountain bikes; the number of mountain bikes available in each Garda station in the Dublin area; if training is required; if there is a list of gardaí awaiting training and the extent of same; if all requests for mountain bikes have been met; if not, the number of Garda stations that are still seeking additional bikes; and the number of bikes that are requested. [3940/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Garda management states that assistant commissioner DMR is currently reviewing the deployment of mountain bikes in the DMR with a view to the expansion and establishment of new units.

Garda management further states that arrangements are in place for training to be delivered throughout 2006 nationally. The first delivery of mountain bikes for 2006 has been received and they will be deployed in the coming months to expand existing units and establish new units, nationally.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that 118 Garda mountain bikes form the Garda mountain bike fleet, 11 of which are attached to the training function. Some 65 mountain bikes are allocated for operational duty in the Dublin metropolitan region, DMR, deployed as set out in the following table:

I am further informed that 338 Garda personnel have been trained and equipped for mountain bike duties nationally, including 229 personnel allocated to the DMR. The procurement process for the purchase of additional mountain bikes, equipment and special uniforms has commenced to deal with bike and uniform requirements to the end of 2008, with the first delivery circa July 2006.