Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

398. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of four wheel drive vehicles in the Galway Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3237/20]

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

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 am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 29 February 2020, a fleet of 113 vehicles was assigned to the Galway Division, one of which was a 4x4 vehicle.

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.