Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if An Garda Síochána is sufficiently equipped in respect of Garda cars, technology or body armour with particular reference to increasing the obvious needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22249/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda authorities are satisfied that the technology required to assist in the fight against crime is available to them. An Garda Síochána constantly evaluate all available technology with a view to determining the technology best suited to their needs. Significant resources are being invested in technology for the Gardaí to assist them in the exercise of all their functions. The capital allocation for IT in 2006 is €33.323 million representing an increase of €5.065 million (18%) on the 2005 outturn.

One aspect of technology I am particularly committed to is the delivery of a state-of-the-art digital radio service for An Garda Síochána. To this end, the procurement of an outsourced Managed Service by the Department of Finance on behalf of An Garda Síochána, other blue light services and some non-commercial public bodies, is well underway. While the exact timeframe for roll-out will be subject to contract negotiations with the successful bidder, the implementation of the new service is planned to commence later this year. The total allocation for communications for 2006 is €12.9 million.

Significant investment has taken place in the Garda fleet over the last few years which has resulted in an increase in the size of the fleet from 1,898 vehicles at the end of 1997 to 2,155 vehicles at present — an increase of 13.5%. Of the 2,155 vehicles in the Garda Fleet 1,538 are Garda cars. The Government Supplies Agency has, in recent days, awarded contracts to a number of companies for the supply of vehicles to public bodies. The Garda authorities have finalised their vehicle requirements for this year and will very shortly order a considerable number of new vehicles from these suppliers on foot of these new contracts. In relation to "Body Armour" I can inform the Deputy that my Department, on behalf of the Garda Síochána, has issued Requests for Tender (RFTs) for the supply and delivery of 12,500 Anti Stab/Ballistic Vests and 3,000 Retractable Batons. There is also a provision in these RFTs to purchase a further 4,700 vests and a further 12,000 Batons, if required, over the duration of the contract. These tenders are currently being evaluated by the Garda authorities and contracts are expected to be in place for the supply of these items in the near future.

I want to see Gardaí provided with all necessary equipment up to best international practice. This is not just an aspiration. I am providing and will continue to provide the necessary resources for this to happen.