Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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444. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and percentage of roads policing units that are fitted with an LED matrix sign on the back window of the vehicle. [43089/20]

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 and configuration 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. The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis as a part of this process to ensure the best match with operational requirements.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that currently one vehicle in the Roads Policing Fleet is fitted with an LED matrix sign on the back window of the vehicle. Such signs are not included in the current fit-out specification for Roads Policing Vehicles.

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 in order to protect the ongoing availability of vehicles and in anticipation of the impact of public health restrictions on motor factory or fit-out workplaces, 94 additional vehicles were purchased by the Garda authorities in March 2020 at a cost of €2.4m and fit-out costs of €600,000.