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 management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 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.

There are now 3,513 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever and a 34% increase since 2015.

I am informed that there were seven unmarked vans attached to the Cavan/Monaghan Division at the end of December 2023. I am further informed that the number of unmarked vans assigned to the Division had increased to 8 by the end of March 2024. I am advised that no unmarked vans were removed from the Division in this timeframe.

I am further advised that on 31 March 2024, there were a total of 79 vehicles assigned to Cavan/Monaghan Division, which includes: 55 cars, 14 vans, 7 4x4, and 3 Motorcycles.

I am also informed that the allocation of vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.

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 distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there have been no appointments to the position of Detective Sergeant within the Cavan-Monaghan Division in the year 2023 and to date in 2024.

I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.3 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.

In addition to new recruits, the roll-out of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to front-line policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 29 February 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 13,930 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of almost 9% since the end of December 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.

Information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 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 its vital policing work.

I am informed €10 million has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet in 2024.

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 advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements. I am further advised that the table below sets out the current age profile of the Garda Technical Bureau Fleet as of 5 April of this year.

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 management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 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.

There are now 3,513 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever and a 34% increase since 2015.

I am informed that at the end of December 2023 there were 30 Public Order vans attached to the Garda fleet, and that currently there are 31 Public Order vans nationwide. I am advised that no Public Order vans were removed from the fleet in 2023 and to date in 2024.

I am further advised that nine Public Order vans have been ordered by Garda Fleet Management for allocation by the end of 2024. I am also informed that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.