Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the statistics that are available on the number of paddy wagon prisoner vans that are available in An Garda Síochána, at present, throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9749/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, 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 her identified operational demands and the availability of resources.

In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 3rd March, 2015 there were 77 public order vans allocated to the Garda fleet. I am further informed that in late 2014, An Garda Síochána took delivery of 25 new vans. These new vehicles will be deployed in line with operational requirements following fit-out.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured a further €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet of which €7 million was made available towards the end of last year, bringing total investment in the Garda fleet to €11 million in 2014. The remaining €3 million is being made available for the purchase and fit out of additional Garda vehicles during 2015.