asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that under a recent order by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána members of the Gardaí engaged in the driving of police cars are forbidden to smoke when officers of the rank of Superintendent or over, or their womenfolk, are in the car and that, furthermore, they have been instructed that they must open the doors of the cars when officers and/or their womenfolk are entering or alighting; and, if so, if he will take steps to have such regulations discontinued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drivers of Police Cars.
The instructions referred to are not in the form the question suggests. They provide in effect that drivers are not to smoke when waiting in public places and that they are to open the doors of the car to enable the passengers to enter or alight when they are carrying women or officers as passengers. The instructions are designed to ensure only such courtesy as may reasonably be expected from the members of a disciplined force.