Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1151.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of marked and unmarked Garda vans attached to the Kildare division as of 31 December 2021 and 27 August 2024, in tabular form.[35174/24]

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 3,530 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána and an increase of over 35% since 2015. The fleet includes 2,657 cars, 589 vans, 132 motorcycles, 100 4x4 and 52 others (refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles).

The table below which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of marked and unmarked vans attached to the Kildare Division as of 31 December 2021 and 31 July 2024, the latest date of which figures are available.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.