Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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544. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of large marked Garda vans; if funding will be made available to purchase additional large marked vans for use by the Garda public order units; if so, the amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25596/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, in the period 2013 to 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet.

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 8 June 2018 there are currently 14 vans available for public order units. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that an order has recently been placed for 15 large vans to be fitted out for public order units.