Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the Garda Representative Association estimate that a one fifth of the Garda fleet amounting to 500 vehicles will need to be replaced by the end of the year and the money proposed to be spent on the Garda fleet will only buy 170 patrol cars, unmarked cars and vans, his plans to make up the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47817/12]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the allocation of Garda cars in rural areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47818/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 785 and 786 together.

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, which will be commissioned in December/January, will considerably strengthen the overall effectiveness of the Force in delivering a policing service throughout the country.

The allocation of Garda 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 assured by the Garda authorities that the deployment of all vehicles is subject to on-going analysis and review to ensure that available resources are allocated throughout the Force to meet policing demands as efficiently as possible, including the policing requirements of rural communities.