John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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498. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles both marked and unmarked that are under 3, 3 to 5, 5 to 8, 8 to 10 and over 10 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36532/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. 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. Indeed from 2013 to 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

As a result of this significant investment, in all some 60% of the fleet is now less than 4 years old, as compared to the situation in 2012 where in the region of 89% of the fleet was older than 4 years.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions 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 role in that matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the age profile of the Garda fleet as at 31 August 2018, including a breakdown of marked and unmarked vehicles.  The age ranges as presented in the table are those utilised by An Garda Síochána in its records.