140. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the transport budget for the Prison Service in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50952/19]

The Deputy may be interested that the total gross allocation for the Irish Prison Service has increased by €24.3 million in Budget 2020, which brings total gross allocation of over €383 million. This increase demonstrates the Government’s commitment to provide adequately for the Prison Service and meet the demands arising from higher prisoner numbers and costs associated with maintenance of the prisons estate.

I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the use of its allocation in relation to the fleet for the years 2019 and 2020 will be as set out in the following table.

It may be noted that in addition to the purchase of vehicles, expenditure for the Prison Service fleet covers items such as maintenance and repairs, fuel for prison vehicles and toll charges/parking fees.