Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the various aspects of the transport section within An Garda Síochána throughout the country continue to be augmented in line with the requirements as set out by the divisional authorities; and if specific deficiencies are listed for particular attention. [27754/16]

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 responsibilities and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

Since 2012, some €40 million has been invested in the Garda fleet, with over 500 new vehicles coming on stream in 2016 alone. This significant investment has provided the Gardaí with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles for high-visibility road policing. Investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue over the lifetime of the Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021 which provides €46 million for new Garda vehicles, to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Garda Fleet and the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis. I am further informed that vehicles may be allocated between districts as required by operational circumstances including, for example, when vehicles are required in other districts to substitute for vehicles under repair.