Vol. 543 No. 2
659 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to improve the safety standards of Garda cars; if he will address the concerns of the Garda Representative Association in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26070/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vehicles purchased by the Garda Síochána comply with health and safety legislation. All ancillary equipment also complies with health and safety regulations and is fitted in accordance with best practice and procedures. Garda cars are subject to the road traffic – national car test – regulations and are also regularly serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. I am also informed that every endeavour is made to ensure that members of the Garda Síochána are provided with a safe working environment in the course of duty.
The Garda fleet is being constantly upgraded in order to ensure that the most modern facilities are available to members of the Garda Síochána in the performance of their duties. Provision is made in the Garda Vote each year for the purchase-delivery of vehicles for the Garda fleet and the maintenance of existing vehicles. This year alone, more than IR£6 million – 7.6 million – will be spent on the purchase of new vehicles.
A Garda transport advisory group has been set up to review the optimum size and structure of the Garda fleet and overall fleet replacement policy. This group includes representatives from the Garda Síochána, the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Finance. The Deputy can be assured that any recommendations made by the group will receive careful and detailed consideration.
660 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the fact that a divisional headquarters had to use a Ford Transit van for four months as a patrol car; the mileage completed by this vehicle during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26071/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 14 vehicles assigned to Naas Garda station, including one public order Ford Transit van. I am also informed that on 26 August 2001 the official patrol car was taken out of service due to maintenance problems. A transit van which was on permanent allocation to Naas was then assigned as a replacement for the official patrol car. The van was 00 registered and in excellent condition. It acted as the patrol car for the regular units until 3 October 2001 when a new patrol car became available and was allocated to Naas. In this period, the van registered 9,000 miles.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that this was considered an adequate, albeit temporary, replacement for a patrol car pending the issue of the new patrol car. The van was in excellent working condition and no difficulties were encountered during the period for which a patrol car was not available. The van had full Garda markings and afforded a very high degree of visibility when patrolling.
