Written answers
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Department of Justice and Equality
Garda Transport
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding that has been provided in the budget specifically for the purchase of patrol cars; the number of patrol cars to be purchased; the districts the patrol cars will be allocated to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6818/13]
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The financial provision in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013 is €5 million. The funding will enable An Garda Síochána to obtain a significant number of new vehicles and it is a matter which is under active consideration by Garda authorities. At this stage, however, the specific details involved have yet to be finalised but the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible in line with operational circumstances.
The allocation of the €5 million represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service. Furthermore, as the Deputy may be aware, I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year, enabling the Force to procure a total of 312 vehicles in 2012. In this context I understand that over 170 vehicles are in the process of being rolled out across the country, on the basis of a detailed analysis of the operational requirements of the Force.
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