Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the recent announcement that extra vehicles will be provided to An Garda Síochána, if he will outline the process by which it is determined the divisions to which the vehicles will be assigned; the way the differences in resource levels around the country will be addressed going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46409/12]

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 the context of his operational requirements. 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 a Division in response to policing demands. This flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match resources with policing priorities, is crucial to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the deployment of transport resources is the subject of on-going analysis and review. This process allows Garda management to allocate available resources within the Force in the most appropriate manner and to ensure an efficient service. 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. I have no doubt that the provision of an 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.