Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

562. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a recent contract for the provision of new Garda roads policing unit vans was put out to tender and if so, when the new vans will come into the fleet. [43892/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes decisions on the allocation of Garda resources, such as the distribution of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct 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. 

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vehicle tenders and contracts for Garda vehicles are handled through the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). An Garda Síochána Fleet Management Section engage with OGP on an ongoing basis to agree their vehicle needs and specifications. The OGP put in place suitable contracts with suppliers and AGS draw down vehicles as required from these OGP contracts to meet their operational requirements.

Again, I have no role in these matters as Minister for Justice.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a contract is currently in place through the OGP for the purchase of small, medium and large vans with various specialist conversions up to 5 October 2022 with the option of a 12 month extension. I am further advised that there is no planned purchase of roads policing specific vans or conversions at present.

Separately, the Deputy may be interested to know that there are currently 3 Road Policing Vans attached to the fleet.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

563. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans in 2022 to replace any of the helicopters or aircraft in the Garda air support unit. [43893/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including insofar as the matters referred to are concerned.

I can, however, advise the Deputy that while there are currently no plans to procure aircraft in 2022, the requirements in this regard are kept under ongoing review in the context of the investment being made in An Garda Síochána and the Commissioner's operational priorities, as well as overall planning for capital expenditure under the National Development Plan.