Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the Report of the Garda Inspectorate, Policing in Ireland — Looking Forward, published on 26 September 2007; his further views on the recommendations of the report particularly the call for an increase in the size of the transport fleet and the number of marked vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27372/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the third report of the Garda Inspectorate entitled, "Policing in Ireland — Looking Forward" which is a comprehensive examination of administration and operation of the Garda Síochána.

The remit of the Inspectorate under the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 is to ensure that the resources available to An Garda Síochána are used so as to achieve and maintain the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness both in its operation and administration when compared with the best practices and standards of comparable police forces. It is my role as Minister, and that of my Department, to support the Garda Síochána in achieving that goal of continued efficient and effective policing.

The Inspectorate has called for a more strategic approach to transport policy to ensure that it meets the business needs of the Force and I am sure that the Inspectorate's analysis will be of considerable assistance to the Garda Commissioner. I will fully support the Commissioner in his development of the organisation's transport policy.