Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Transport.

Paul McGrath

Question:

366 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisions in place to replace Garda patrol cars which have been crash-damaged; the timeframe for the repair or replacement of such vehicles; the procedures involved; if such vehicles are insured commercially; if they are insured on the Government scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19358/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, in the event of a Garda vehicle being involved in an accident, the Garda driver will complete an MT15 form and forward this to the fleet management section in Garda Headquarters immediately. This is a preliminary report of the accident which notifies the fleet management section of the occurrence of an accident and the circumstances surrounding it. A public service vehicle inspector will then assess the damage to determine the viability of repairing or replacing the vehicle. Should the vehicle be deemed repairable, three competitive tenders must be obtained before final approval for the repair to be carried out will be given. The decision to repair or replace the vehicle will normally rest with the technical inspector attached to the fleet management section.

If the accident is comparatively minor and the vehicle repair can be completed in a short space of time, then local management may be able to cope using their existing resources. Where this is not possible, every effort is made to provide a temporary replacement vehicle from the fleet management section while the repair is being carried out. For minor repairs the time frame for having the car returned to service will normally take no longer than two to three weeks. In most instances, for minor accidents, this time will be considerably less.

For major repairs and where it is not possible for local management to cope from existing resources, a replacement car will be provided, depending on availability, as soon as possible. Each accident is dealt with on a case by case basis and all circumstances are taken into account. Should the vehicle be deemed a write off, then a new vehicle will be issued as soon as possible, depending on availability. If a new vehicle is not available immediately, a temporary replacement may be issued, pending the availability of new vehicles. This process should normally take no longer than two to three weeks and in most instances will be less. In dealing with the replacement of vehicles each case is dealt with on the merits of the case and the urgency of the situation.

As regards the question of insurance, I advise the Deputy that Garda vehicles are not insured commercially as the State bears any cost direct.