Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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351. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the number of cars in the Garda Síochána fleet, the cost of a new Garda Síochána car; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46116/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate 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.

I am advised that as of 16 December 2015, there are a total of 2,611 vehicles in the Garda fleet, of which 1,946 are cars. As the Deputy will appreciate, the cost of a new Garda car varies depending on the model and fit out requirements.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources to deliver highly mobile and responsive Garda patrols in both rural and urban communities. Since 2012, almost €34 million has been invested in renewing the Garda fleet to support front line Garda responses. Over 640 new vehicles are coming on stream since the start of 2015 including new specialised vehicles. This investment will provide the Garda with additional high powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, cars for surveillance and covert operations, motor cycles for high visibility road policing and vehicles for public order policing. This investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021, which provides an additional €46 million for new Garda vehicles over the life time of the plan. The increased budget allocation for 2016 will also facilitate additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing. Following delivery and fit out, these vehicles will be allocated on a regional basis as determined by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána consistent with operational requirements.