Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

616. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda armed support unit in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [6614/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

I am pleased to have secured significant capital investment to be 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. The allocation of these and all other vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of new Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda Armed Support unit in 2019 and 2020 is as follows:

I am further informed that the total number of vehicles assigned to the Armed Support Unit as of 3 February 2021 is: