Batt O'Keeffe
Question:11 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice the provisions, if any, being made for training gardaí for squad car driving; and the current waiting list for such courses. [18966/96]
Written Answers. - Garda Training.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that standard driving courses for members of An Garda Síochána are conducted at the Driving School, Garda College, Templemore on an ongoing basis. The driving school forms part of the specialist school at the Garda College. The course is of two weeks duration and incorporates cars from 1.4cc to 2.9cc, vans and personnel carriers and also includes automatic cars. In addition, courses are conducted for other vehicles used throughout the force including VIP, four wheel drive, tow wagon, heavy goods vehicle and motor cycles.
The selection of members to be trained on any particular driving course is made on a divisional basis, and the number is influenced by the availability of qualified drivers in each division, the number of official vehicles allocated to the division and the requirement for drivers for these vehicles. The demand for driving courses depends on the number of members nominated by divisional officers, and the Garda authorities are satisfied that the number of courses provided is meeting this demand.
I should also point out that at all times chief superintendents have the power to authorise a member who is holder of a full class "B" driving licence to drive offical cars, subject to the member concerned being deemed suitable.