Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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338. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to the Galway division as of 17 February 2025; and if he will provide corresponding figures as of 31 January 2021, in tabular form. [10469/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána which includes the distribution of resources across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.

The Programme for Government commits to prioritising investment across the justice system, including in An Garda Síochána.

The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight crime, and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology and vehicles.

The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances.

I am 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.

To be of assistance, I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána. I am informed that, at the end of January 2025, there were 3,628 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, an increase of 16% since the end of 2020.

Of this total fleet, there were two Garda Public Order Unit vans attached to the Galway Division as of 28 February 2025, compared to one Garda Public Order Unit van attached to the Galway Division on 31 January 2021.

An Garda Síochána publishes information on the Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: