Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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215. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new marked large Garda public order vans that came into the fleet in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13038/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, 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 light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

However, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that nine large vans have been commissioned by An Garda Síochána for the Garda fleet for use in Public Order situations since 2016 - 5 in 2016, 4 in 2017, and none to date in 2018.

In addition, 54 medium-wheel-base twin-cell vans were commissioned in 2016.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46million for investment in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.

In the period 2013 to end of 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.