Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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708. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda vehicles allocated to the Sligo-Leitrim division in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26698/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration 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 Garda vehicles.  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.

However, in order to be of assistance, I have made appropriate enquiries and am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 August 2020, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,015 vehicles attached to the Garda Fleet, including vehicles attached to the national units.  For clarity, this figure does not include the additional 210 vehicles which have been hired by An Garda Síochána this year, to provide additional capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically in relation to the Sligo/Leitrim Division, there has been an increase of 5 vehicles (from 51 to 56) between 2018 and August 2020. The following table contains the information sought by the Deputy:

Strength of Garda Fleet, broken down for Sligo/Leitrim Division as at: