Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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328. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if additional funding will be provided to purchase additional Garda vehicles between July 2018 and year end; if so, the number of vehicles that will be purchased; when those vehicles will be brought into the fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30860/18]

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 with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the 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 €4.7 million has been made available in 2018 to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of new vehicles for the fleet.  I am further informed that it is intended to purchase some 260 vehicles during 2018 as a whole.  The allocation of these vehicles will be decided following delivery and fit-out in accordance with operational needs.

I am further informed that this budget is fully committed and there is no plan to allocate further funding this year.