Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda stations in counties Cavan and Monaghan that have no Garda patrol cars; the proposals, if any there are to increase the number of vehicles available in the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40773/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. In turn, at Garda Divisional level, the allocation of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Chief Superintendent who may make and revise arrangements for the deployment of vehicles throughout the Division in response to policing demands.

This flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is crucial to the efficient management of the Garda fleet. As a consequence, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not practicable to provide details of permanent allocations of Garda vehicles.

However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 32 Garda cars allocated to the Cavan/Monaghan Division.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that a new contract for the provision of Garda cars has recently been put in place following a tender process organised by the National Procurement Service. In addition, I can confirm that a number of new vehicles have been ordered and this is a matter which will be further pursued by the Garda authorities with reference to their identified policing needs and the availability of financial resources. In that overall context the requirements of the Cavan/Monaghan Division will be taken into account.