Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the number of patrol cars currently in service to An Garda Síochána; if the numbers have dropped on the numbers in service in previous years; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Garda stations under current restrictions are not permitted to replace patrol cars that have to be scrapped because they are no longer roadworthy and that this policy will diminish the work An Garda Síochána is doing in local communities in the detection and prevention of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15992/11]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to ensure that Garda stations in Dublin Mid-West have their necessary complement of patrol cars, those stations not being permitted to replace old patrol cars that are no longer road worthy due to current restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15993/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that in May this year the Garda fleet consisted of 2,755 vehicles. This represents an increase on the corresponding figures for December 2008 and December 2007 which were 2,451 and 2,254 respectively.

The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements and priorities. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official vehicles in a Division is vested in the Divisional Officer who may switch vehicles from station to station as requirements demand. With regard to Garda stations in Dublin Mid West, the Garda authorities are satisfied that a full complement of patrol vehicles, both marked and unmarked, is available to meet Divisional needs.

The allocation of vehicles is kept under ongoing review to ensure the most efficient deployment of Garda resources.