Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and type of vehicles currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5383/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the price paid by the State in respect of each vehicle currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5384/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for extending the number of vehicles available for use by members of An Garda Síochána. [5385/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 279, inclusive, together.

A large range of vehicles currently is in use by the Garda Authorities including marked and unmarked cars, vans, motor cycles, 4 X 4 vehicles, minibuses and lorries. The allocation or reallocation of these vehicles is constantly assessed by the Garda authorities.

The number and type of vehicles currently available for use by members of An Garda Síochána are set out in the table.

The Garda Fleet is currently undergoing a major investment programme and an expansion in specific areas which will target organised crime, public order and traffic in particular. The total spend for 2006 on the purchase of 1,378 new vehicles to upgrade the fleet was €27.45 million resulting in the renewal of over half of the entire Garda fleet in just a single year. Further investment is planned for this year including the purchase of additional motorbikes which will make a significant contribution to traffic law enforcement.