Paul Donnelly
Ceist:1091. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of the current Garda vehicle fleet that are manufactured by Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes and Audi, in tabular form. [34474/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMonday, 9 September 2024
Ceisteanna (1091)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
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.
I am informed by Garda authorities that there are now 3,530 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána and an increase of over 35% since 2015. The fleet includes 2,657 cars, 589 vans, 132 motorcycles, 100 4x4 and 52 others (refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles).
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána does not provide breakdowns of vehicles by manufacturer as it could compromise vehicles that are assigned to sensitive duties such as dealing with covert human intelligence sources (CHIS), and surveillance duties.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.