Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda patrol vehicles available to An Garda Síochána in each district of the division of Tipperary; the number of vehicles that were available to these districts in 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56940/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Decisions in relation to the provision and deployment of Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required by operational circumstances.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the Tipperary Division is provided in the following table:

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the detailed allocation of vehicles is determined through a process of ongoing analysis of operational requirements. In addition, they have informed me that the current policing arrangements for the Tipperary Division are making the best use of available resources. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the needs of the Division will continue to be examined as additional resources become available.

In that context, the Deputy will be aware that 170 new Garda vehicles have recently been ordered on foot of an investment of €3 million. These vehicles are due to begin coming on stream in the coming weeks. In addition, a further €5 million is being made available for the purchase and fit-out of new Garda vehicles in 2013. This level of expenditure, at a time of severe budgetary constraint, represents a very significant investment in Garda transport and I have no doubt that the additional funding will considerably strengthen the overall effectiveness of the Force in delivering a policing service to communities throughout the country.