Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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139. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the Garda transport fleet has been upgraded annually in each of the past six years and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28542/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Decisions on the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational demands and in light of available resources. In that context, the Deputy will be aware that an additional €3 million was made available towards the end of last year which enabled the force to procure a further 171 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. In addition to the investment provided in 2012, a specific allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in the current year. I am informed by the Garda authorities that to date this investment has resulted in a further 133 new vehicles being procured. This represents a 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, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána is provided with sufficient resources to enable it to deliver an effective and efficient policing service. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the number of vehicles procured for the Garda fleet in each of the years referred to in the Deputy's question is as follows: 2007, 362 vehicles; 2008, 190 vehicles; 2009, no vehicles; 2010, 165 vehicles; 2011, 52 vehicles; 2012, 213 vehicles; and 2013 (to date), 133 vehicles.