Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the Garda Representative Association's assessment that a fifth of the Garda vehicle fleet will need to be replaced by the end of 2012, amounting to 500 vehicles; and the way he intends to meet this requirement. [46413/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the withdrawal of Garda vehicles from service is an on-going process. In the overall context I am very pleased that arrangements have been put in place, with special funding being made available for that purpose, to allow the Garda authorities to purchase a significant number of new vehicles. This has been done at a time of severe budgetary constrains and it represents a substantial investment in Garda transport. I have no doubt that the provision of the additional 170 vehicles will considerably strengthen the overall effectiveness of the Force in delivering a policing service throughout the country. The vehicles are due to be commissioned in December/January and they will be deployed by the Garda authorities in line with policing requirements.