Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 74: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cars in the Garda fleet; the person who has the contract for maintenance of the fleet; if that contract has been evaluated against value for money; and if it is intended to purchase more Garda cars. [12981/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of cars in the Garda fleet at present is 1,631.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Fleet Management Section to develop policies which will ensure that vehicles are maintained in a proper roadworthy condition. The policy for maintenance of the fleet is, where feasible, to use main dealers for a particular make. This will ensure, as far as is possible, that the maintenance of the vehicle complies with standards set by the manufacturers.

I am further informed that the standard of servicing, cost and value for money are kept under constant review. A request for tenders for the maintenance of the Garda fleet is currently in the final stages of preparation and it is expected that tenders will be invited in the next couple of months.

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 cars and additional motorbikes which will make a significant contribution to traffic law enforcement.