Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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536. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of motorcycles attached to the Wicklow Garda roads policing unit as of 11 September 2024; and if she will provide the same figures as of 11 September 2021, in tabular form. [36821/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including the Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.

The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion in Budget 2024. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology and vehicles.

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, indicates the number of motorbikes allocated to roads policing duty in Wicklow on August 31 2021, and the number currently allocated to the recently merged Division of Wexford/Wicklow:

I have been advised 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.