The deliberate ramming of Garda vehicles was a matter of grave concern, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald told the Dáil.

She said the safety of gardaí and the public was of paramount importance. “All appropriate operational and safety precautions are, of course, taken, but where an individual is intent on causing such a collision, prevention will inherently be difficult. Where these incidents do occur it is important that such persons are brought before the courts.’’

The Minister was replying to Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin, who said the current legislative provisions were not working. "The figures are shocking and worrying . . . with approximately three incidents every fortnight.''

Mr Griffin said that while he appreciated and welcomed the investment in new Garda vehicles, there was a need to focus on the quality of the vehicle rather than on quantity alone.

“For example, the odds are stacked against a garda driving a 1.5-litre diesel car attempting to apprehend a criminal in a car with a 2-litre or higher petrol engine.’’

Ms Fitzgerald said there had been an increase in the justice budget for the first time in a number of years thanks to the improved economic situation. Some 300 gardaí had been recruited, and the next group would go to Templemore in the next two weeks.

She said there had been increased investment in Garda vehicles by the Government of up to €27 million over the past number of years. Those measures, said Ms Fitzgerald, would make a difference to the robust nature of the fleet.

She would examine whether it was possible to incorporate extra provisions in legislation to deal with the matter. “However, strong points have been made against mandatory sentencing for an offence such as this.’’