Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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463. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new vehicles that have been assigned to Garda armed support units in 2021 and to-date in 2022; and the number of those vehicles that were withdrawn from the Garda armed support unit during same period. [60398/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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 role in these matters.

I am advised, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.

Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet. 

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not the current policy of An Garda Síochána to release the figures in respect of the Armed Support Unit due to the impact on operational effectiveness and security. I am assured that there are currently sufficient resources available to the Armed Support Unit.