Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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522. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles currently assigned across the State; the number delivered to date; the number operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36235/13]

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 light of his identified operational demands and available resources. All Garda vehicles are assigned on an operational basis. I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 30 June 2013 the Garda Fleet comprised 2,473 vehicles and that on the same date the number of new vehicles assigned in 2013 was 204.

Overall, 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 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. Furthermore, a specific allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in the current year. 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 deliver an effective and efficient policing service. In keeping with this approach, I will continue to seek to identify the potential for additional funding for the Garda Fleet. This will, of course, be contingent on expenditure in other areas across and outside the Justice Sector.