Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
558. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice 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]
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.
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.
|
Year |
No. of Vehicles Purchased |
|
2016 |
504 |
|
2017 |
207 |
|
2018 |
215 |
|
2019 |
308 |
|
2020 |
547 |
|
2021 |
221 |
|
2022 |
302 |
|
2023 |
284 |
|
2024 |
334 (Planned) |
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.
