Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1131. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if a new contract for the purchase of additional mountain bikes for An Garda Síochána will be put out to tender before year end and the number of e-bikes and e-scooters in the Garda fleet. [37944/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes all decisions related to the provision of Garda equipment to the Garda fleet and the operational deployment of Garda resources. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions and have no role in the issuance of contracts for purchase of Garda equipment, which are governed by standard Government procurement guidelines.
I have been advised by Garda management that (as of 18 August) there are 556 mountain bikes issued nationally for use by Garda members engaged in bike patrols. There are also six e-bikes being piloted in the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Central and South Central Divisions, with the potential purchase of an three additional e-bikes being considered.
There are no e-scooters within the Garda fleet and there are no plans for the use of mopeds for policing in urban areas at present.
I am further advised that An Garda Síochána intends to tender for additional mountain bikes for the service later this year, with a view to accepting delivery of new bikes in early 2024.
