Written answers

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Resources

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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389. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of off-road Garda vehicles purchased in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and the number of such vehicles withdrawn during the same period. [3190/20]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources.  This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles, in accordance with operational demand.  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. 

The resources allocated by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion for 2020.  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 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.

I have been informed by Garda Authorities that they categorise off-road Garda vehicles as 4X4 vehicles.  I am further informed that as at 29 February 2020, there were a total of 82 4x4 vehicles in the Garda fleet.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of 4x4 vehicles allocated to and removed from the Garda fleet in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020. 

- Total 4x4 allocated Total 4x4 removed
2020 (up to 02/03/2020) 1 0
2019 11 9
2018 21 14
Finally, the Deputy may wish to be aware that a total of €9 million has been allocated specifically for purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2020. The number and type of vehicles which will be purchased with this allocation as well as the Divisions to which those new vehicles are assigned are entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

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