Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda patrol cars coming on stream in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12291/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year enabling the Commissioner to procure 171 Garda vehicles. This brought total investment in the Garda fleet in 2012 to €4 million and resulted in a total of 213 new vehicles being procured during the year. The roll out of the most recently purchased vehicles is currently on-going.

In addition, €5 million has been made available for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013. That 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.

This funding 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 will have sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.