Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
306. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of new unmarked Garda cars and vans that were allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau in 2023 and to-date in 2024; and the number of unmarked Garda cars and vans withdrawn from GNIB during same period, in tabular form. [28083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
There are now 3,531 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever, and an increase of nearly 35% since 2015. The fleet includes 2,667 cars, 575 vans, 137 motorcycles, 100 4x4 and 52 others (refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles).
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vehicles allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) are unmarked. I am further informed that 3 vehicles were allocated to the GNIB in 2023 and none were removed. As of end of May 2024, no vehicles have been allocated or removed in this year.
I am further 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
