Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the upgrading of the Garda motor fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36070/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational circumstances and the availability of resources.

In that context, the Deputy will be aware that an additional 438 new Garda vehicles were purchased in 2013 at a cost of €10 million. In addition,€4 million has been made available for the purchase and fit out of Garda transport in 2014. I am advised that, to date, a further 88 Garda vehicles have been purchased in 2014.

I am further informed that, as at the 22nd of September 2014, the Garda fleet consisted of 2,513 vehicles. The fleet strength at the end of 2013 was 2,407 vehicles.

This most recent financial investment in Garda transport is indicative of our 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. I am of course conscious of the importance of the Garda fleet and in that regard I am continuing to engage with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to investment in the fleet.