Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 17 September 2019, the number of Garda vehicles available in working order and operational in each Garda district within the Cork city division at the end of each of the years 2015 to 2018 and as at 20 September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39022/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána 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 Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands.

This includes responsibility for the allocation of vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, 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 the attached table sets out the number of vehicles allocated to the Cork City Division, broken down by District, from 2015 to date, as requested by the Deputy.

I should also point out that a total of €10 million has been made available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2019. I understand from Garda management that this allocation is being used for the purchase and fit-out of over 300 for operational use in An Garda Síochána. The allocation of these new vehicles across the Garda Divisions is for Garda management and not for me as Minister.

Garda Fleet in Cork City Division, 2015 -2019 (correct as of 20 September 2019)

* The category 'other' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles