Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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558. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide the number of Garda vehicles purchased in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42523/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.

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 is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, a 27% increase since 2020.

I have also recently announced additional funding of €98m which has been secured for allocation across the Justice Sector to the end of this year. This includes €6 million to acquire approximately 100 new Garda vehicles, including public order vans and high-powered vehicles for serious crime units. This will enhance the Garda fleet’s capacity to respond to a variety of operational needs.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the below table is a yearly breakdown of the number of vehicles purchased to the Garda Fleet from 2016 to 2024.

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.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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559. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide the amount invested in Garda IT infrastructure in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42524/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána, and is responsible for the Garda budget. The Government is committed to providing the Commissioner with the resources he needs, and Garda funding has increased by over €500m (up 27% since 2020), bringing the total for the 2025 Budget to €2.48 billion.

I have enacted legislation and provided resources so that An Garda Síochána can develop the ICT systems and tools to allow them to deliver an effective policing service. Sustained investment in An Garda Síochána has allowed for the roll-out of the proof of concept for body worn cameras in Waterford, Limerick and Dublin City Centre.

Also, all Garda members now have mobile devices with real-time access to apps eliminating paperwork and allowing Gardaí to carry out their front-line duties far more efficiently. Garda ACTIVE Mobility apps allow members to access their email on the move, check a vehicle’s history and tax status, and enables them to work more efficiently with local business and community groups.

Furthermore, the organisation’s new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, GardaSAFE, is now operational across all regions. The modern policing tools within this system allow call takers and dispatchers to deliver enhanced support to responders, supporting them in their mission to keep the public safe.

I can advise the Deputy that the table below sets out the ICT Capital spend from 2016. Please note the figure for this year is up to 16 October. The figures reflect the amount spent on IT infrastructure, as opposed to consumables, for each year.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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560. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide the number of people who entered the Templemore Garda Training College each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42525/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.