Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Vehicles.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

27 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of garda cars in use which are (a) more than five years old and (b) more than ten years old; if all Garda cars undergo the national car test; the investigation that has been held into the circumstances of the recent traffic death of two gardaí in Finglas, who were responding to an emergency, in a ten year old car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15419/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently nine cars including the presidential Rolls Royce attached to the Garda fleet which are over ten years old. There are 88 cars between five and ten years old currently in use within the Garda Síochána.

I am also informed that, in accordance with the legal requirements as set out in the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations, 1999 – S.I. No 395 of 1999, Garda vehicles – registered before 1 January 1992, from the anniversary of first registration which occurs in the year 2000 – are obliged to undergo testing by National Car Testing Service Limited.

I am further informed that a full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic accident is being conducted under the auspices of a Garda chief superintendent and I do not propose to comment on specific aspects of the accident before that investigation is completed.