Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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168. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she expects the recently announced additional 40 unmarked Garda cars and 38 additional marked Garda cars to be in the Garda fleet before end of 2023. [55599/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

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.

However, I can inform the Deputy that as of 30 November there were 3,447 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet which represents an increase of almost 11% since the end of 2020, and is the highest number of vehicles attached to the Garda fleet ever.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that some additional vehicles will come into the fleet before the end of 2023. I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources. The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.