Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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671. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to the Cork city Garda division as of 31 December 2019 and 2 February 2021, in tabular form [7219/21]

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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 31 December 2019, there were 2 Garda Public Order Unit vans attached to the Cork City Garda division, and 1 Garda Public Order Unit van attached to the Cork City Garda division on 2 February 2021.

The Deputy may wish to note that there are currently 139 vehicles assigned to Cork City division, which represents an increase of almost 14% since December 2019.

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.