Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

281. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the investment in Garda vehicles, the financial amount invested in 2013, 2014 and planned for 2015; the number of additional vehicles by Garda division; and if consideration has been given to acquiring and fitting out high specification vehicles which support policing as is the case in other jurisdictions. [47317/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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, I am advised by the Garda authorities that an additional 438 new Garda vehicles were purchased in 2013 at a cost of €10 million. The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured a further €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet of which €7 million has been made available in 2014. This funding brings the total investment for 2014 to €11 million. The remaining €3 million will be made available for the purchase and fit out of additional Garda vehicles in 2015.

Decisions in relation to the deployment of Garda vehicles, at Regional and Divisional level, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am advised that the deployment of all Garda resources is subject to ongoing review and analysis to ensure that the best use is made of available policing resources.

A breakdown of the additional vehicles allocated by Garda Division in 2013 and 2014 is set out in the table below: