In the programme for Government there is a commitment to maintain close relationships between all communities and the Garda. I bring to the Taoiseach's attention that the complete opposite is taking place in County Louth. One community policing van has to be shared between Drogheda and Dundalk, the two largest towns in the county, while there are only two patrol cars to service the entire Drogheda area, which includes Clogherhead, Termonfeckin, Dunleer and Monasterboice. There is no uniformed inspector in the entire county. It has been reported that gardaí have to walk, cycle or use their own cars when carrying out serious investigations or making house calls. How does the Taoiseach propose that rural parts of the county will be patrolled or policed as we approach the dark evenings of the winter? It makes a mockery of what community policing is supposed to be about. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to fund the purchase of Garda vehicles to the tune of €34 million.

The Deputy's time is up.

Will the Taoiseach indicate whether County Louth has been bypassed or exactly when gardaí in the county can expect to receive funding for investment in their fleet?

I support Deputy Imelda Munster. I know that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, visited Dundalk Garda station where he spoke to Chief Superintendent Mangan and when I understand this issue was raised. It is a major issue in the constituency and further exacerbates the problems we face. There have been three murders by stabbing, an issue I have raised in the Dáil as one that needs to be addressed. The issues of the availability of transport and clapped out vehicles, particularly in the context of Brexit as it will impact on the Border region, must be addressed urgently.

I thank the Deputies for raising this issue which is of some importance in County Louth. Deputy Declan Breathnach is correct that I visited the region not so long ago. The amount of money invested by the Government in the Garda fleet is in excess of €30 million and the investment is very much on track. These are operational issues primarily for the Garda Commissioner.

No, there is a commitment in the programme for Government.

An unprecedented sum of €1.6 billion has been made available in the budget of An Garda Síochána.

My understanding from the Garda Commissioner is that in excess of 200 new vehicles have come on stream this year. This issue could be pursued by the local community in County Louth with its joint policing committee. However, I keep in close contact with the Garda senior management team and am happy to pass on the concerns of the Deputies.