Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown by Division of the €5m to be distributed for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013. [9186/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational demands and in the light of available resources.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the financial provision of €5 million in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013 will enable An Garda Síochána to obtain a significant number of new vehicles. It is a matter which is under active consideration by the Garda authorities and at this stage the specific details involved have yet to be finalised. However, the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible in line with An Garda Síochána's operational requirements.

As the Deputy will be aware, I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year which enabled the Force to procure a total of 213 vehicles in 2012. In addition, the further allocation of €5 million has been provided in respect of new Garda transport in 2013. This 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.