Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be made available later in 2018 to purchase additional Garda mountain bikes. [40092/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources in recent years. With regard to the Garda fleet, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides for an investment of €46 million, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million made in the fleet in the period 2013 to 2015.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources 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 the matter.

In that regard, I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 30 mountain bikes have been purchased in 2018. I am informed that there are no plans to purchase any further mountain bikes this year.