Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
552. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda roads policing unit vehicles that came into the fleet during 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of Garda roads policing unit vehicles withdrawn from the fleet during same period, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42490/24]
View answerAs 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.
There are now over 3,500 Garda vehicles. This is the largest fleet ever available to An Garda Síochána and represents a 34% increase since 2015.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the below table shows vehicles allocated to and removed from Roads Policing Duty in 2023 and in 2024 as of 30 September 2024.
|
Allocated |
Removed |
|
|
2023 |
26 |
19 |
|
2024 to 30.09.24 |
20 |
28 |
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.
