Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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420. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost to fit 100% of roads policing unit vehicles with automatic number plate recognition services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47239/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 329 vehicles attached to Roads Policing units across An Garda Síochána, of which 117 are currently fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capabilities.

I am further informed that according to the most recent quote, received by the Garda authorities in 2020, the cost to fit one vehicle with ANPR equipment is approximately €12,500. To fit the equipment to the remaining 212 Garda vehicles would cost approximately €2,650,000.

I am advised that each of the 212 Garda vehicles that are not equipped with ANPR predate 2019. As such, fitting the equipment to some of these vehicles may not be cost-efficient.

I am informed that 110 of the outstanding 212 vehicles are Garda motorcycles. These vehicles are not currently being equipped with ANPR capabilities. Excluding these vehicles and equipping the remaining 102 vehicles would cost €1,275,000. I am also informed that there are currently 4 ANPR-equipped motorcycles which are testing this capability in this type of vehicle.

I am advised that due to the volume of Garda vehicles concerned, a third-party vehicle contractor would be required to undertake this work. I understand the above estimate does not consider any contractor fees.