asked the Minister for Justice if the white belt and torch equipment of gardaí doing road traffic duty at night is adequate in view of the danger from traffic involved; and the plans, if any, to provide extra equipment in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Night Duty Equipment.
13.
The white belt and torch referred to in the question are issued to all gardaí on ordinary patrol duties but those doing road traffic duty at night have other aids available to them. All Garda patrol cars are supplied with fluorescent jackets, flashing beacons, big beam lamps and reflectorised triangles. Additional equipment is available to members of the force operating check-points.
Of course it may happen from time to time that a member doing ordinary patrol duty may also have to become involved in some road traffic duty as, for instance, where there is a traffic accident, but the Garda authorities consider that the equipment they have is reasonable for protection purposes on such occasions.
Would the Minister bring to the attention of the Commissioner that quite a number of gardaí seems to be doing road traffic checks such as registration, licences, tyres and so on while they do not wear the fluorescent jacket made available? In many instances those gardaí, particularly late at night when they are in the centre of the road with their backs to oncoming traffic, are likely to be killed.
That is information not a question.
I will certainly bring the comments of the Deputy to the attention of the Garda authorities.