Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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326. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda mountain bikes attached to each district in the Galway Garda division in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23408/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There has been an unprecedented level of investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The budgetary allocation to An Garda Síochána for 2019 amounts to €1.76 billion. Significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána in terms of the Garda Fleet, ICT infrastructure and the estate. 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.

In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Decisions in relation to the effective and efficient use of resources, including purchase and allocation of mountain bikes, are for the Commissioner in light of operational demands. I understand 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 following table outlines the number of Garda mountain bikes in the Galway Garda Division for the dates requested by the Deputy. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that Galway Division has adequate personnel trained and kitted-out in the appropriate uniform in that regard.