Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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439. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new marked and unmarked Garda cars and vans allocated to the Garda dog unit in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of vehicles withdrawn during the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43049/20]

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 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 at 9 December 2020 there were 7 vehicles attached to the National Dog Unit and 4 vehicles attached to the Regional Dog Unit.

For the Deputy's information, the table below as provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of new marked and unmarked Garda vans allocated to the National Garda dog unit in 2019 and to date in 2020 and the number of vehicles withdrawn during the same period.

Significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for 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.

Of this investment, a total of €9 million was made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. I am also informed that a further 10 vans have been purchased for the Dog Unit, and following fit out they will be available to be allocated before the end of Quarter 1, 2021. The allocation of these and all other vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.