Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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223. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and percentage of the Garda fleet in the Cork city Garda division that are over ten years of age as of 18 February 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10365/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that there has been unprecedented investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. 

In relation to Garda vehicles, €46 million has been provided by the Government for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.  This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.  And I am pleased to confirm that a capital allocation of €10 million is available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions.  As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables set out the type and number of vehicles assigned to Cork City Garda Division as well as information on the age range of these vehicles on a Divisional basis, as at 18 February 2019.  Responsibility for the efficient deployment of vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations in accordance with operational need.