Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

437. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional marked and unmarked Garda cars and vehicles allocated to each Garda division in 2018 and to date in 2019; the number that were withdrawn during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12831/19]

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

The Deputy will be aware that there has been an unprecedented level of investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years.

A total of €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. 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 the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of 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 their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached table sets out the number of vehicles allocated to the Garda Divisions (excluding National Units) in 2018 and in 2019 (up to 13 March 2019). Regarding allocations in 2019, I an informed that with the benefit of the €10 million allocated for the fleet this year, further orders have been placed that it is expected that the allocation of these additional vehicles will begin in April, following delivery and fit-out. I am further informed that the number of vehicles withdrawn from the Divisions during the same period are also included in the table, as requested by the Deputy. For security and operational reasons, these tables do not include a breakdown between marked and unmarked vehicle allocations nationwide. As national units do not fall into Garda Divisions, fleet statistics pertaining to them are not included in the attached tables.

*Note: figures in each of following tables relate to Divisions excluding National Units

Allocations to Garda Divisions to date in 2019 – 13th March, 2019

Removals from Garda Fleet by Division to date in 2019 - 13th March 2019

2018 Allocations to Garda Fleet by Division

2018 Removals from Garda Fleet by Division