Written answers
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1125. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to reform the Garda vetting process, including ensuring individuals to conduct one vetting check every three years which is valid for any relevant professional or voluntary roles within that time period, measures to enable individuals use the same vetting check for multiple bodies and organisations, an optional simplified renewal process whereby individuals need only add any address changes since their last vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14019/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, 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 responsibility for the Garda vetting system. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, I am advised that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016. This important work needs to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
I can also advise the Deputy that the Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021, and meets regularly to discuss potential amendments to vetting legislation. This group includes members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.
The primary focus of the Group is strengthening the vetting legislation in an effective manner, including any changes which may be possible in relation to multi-purpose vetting or re-vetting. I expect to receive the Group’s report by Easter.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1126. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars and vans attached to each Garda district within DMR as of 15 March 2023, in tabular form. [14039/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
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 such matters.
I am however assured 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 advised by the Garda authorities that at 28 February 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,382 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 8% since end January 2021 when there were 3,128 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the tables below set out the number of vehicles attached to each District within the DMR at 28 February 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.
| DMR EAST | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACKROCK-W | 34 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39 |
| DUNLAOGHAIRE-F | 29 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 40 |
| DMR EAST Total | 63 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 79 |
| DMR NORTH | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALBRIGGAN-Y | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| BALLYMUN | 35 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 46 |
| COOLOCK-R | 25 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| RAHENY-J | 26 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| DMR NORTH Total | 99 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 116 |
| DMR NORTH CENTRAL | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRIDEWELL | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| FITZGIBBON STREET | 22 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 29 |
| STORE STREET | 34 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 42 |
| DMR NORTH CENTRAL Total | 67 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 84 |
| DMR SOUTH | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRUMLIN-G | 21 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| TALLAGHT-M | 32 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 39 |
| TERENURE-P | 19 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| DMR SOUTH Total | 72 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 90 |
| DMR SOUTH CENTRAL | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DONNYBROOK-E | 19 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| KEVIN STREET-A | 31 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 37 |
| PEARSE STREET-B | 18 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| DMR SOUTH CENTRAL Total | 68 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 88 |
| DMR WEST | Cars | Vans | Motorcycles | 4 x 4 | *Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLANCHARDSTOWN-K | 43 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 49 |
| CLONDALKIN-L | 25 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| LUCAN-Q | 23 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 31 |
| DMR WEST Total | 91 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 110 |
*The category 'other' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.
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