Sorca Clarke
Question:
316. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice how many gardaí in County Longford have successfully completed the CBD2 competency-based driving training 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4681/24]
View answer
Regrettably, the information sought by the Deputy is still awaited from the Garda authorities. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 1 February 2024 where you asked: “How many Gardaí in County Longford have successfully completed the CBD2 competency-based driving training 2.” You then clarified that you were seeking this information over a five year period.
As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities, and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and civilian staff. I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
I am informed by the Commissioner that there is a five-level suite of competency-based driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of Garda members.
CBD Level 1 consists of a one-day assessment programme. Members who successfully complete CBD Level 1 will be deemed competent to carry out non-response driving functions and routine driving functions commensurate to the role.
CBD Level 2 is a two-week Competency-Based Driving Course aimed at frontline Garda Drivers. This course contains Road Craft techniques and emergency response driving.
CBD Level 3 is an addition to the CBD2 course and is of three weeks in duration. This course has a requirement for a higher skillset of driving to facilitate the driving of higher powered vehicles. I am advised that Competency-Based Driving Level 3 is the highest level of training given to operational members.
The more specialised levels CBD4 and CBD5 are only delivered to members undergoing the selection process to become Garda Driving Instructors.
With respect to the specific information requested, I have contacted the Garda authorities who have informed me that a total of 13 Garda members in Co. Longford have completed CBD Level 2 training in the years 2019 up to the end of December 2023. I am further advised that the data provided is reflective of the members who were stationed in Co. Longford at the time of training and does not take into account transfers, promotions, retirements etc.
I am informed by Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a yearly breakdown as it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to further report on numbers that are fewer than 10. In cases where the requested figures amount to a total of fewer than 10, the personnel referenced may be identifiable to the general public, thus posing a potential risk to their safety.
Furthermore, An Garda Síochána, along with fellow Government Departments and public bodies, is bound by existing Data Protection legislation; the release of figures less than ten has the potential to compromise the protection and privacy of individuals employed by An Garda Síochána and moreover constitute a breach of this legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
I trust this information is of assistance.
