I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles in two circumstances, namely, that they hold at least a class B driving licence and have been authorised to drive by the chief superintendent or that they have completed an official driving course.
The latest date for which the information requested by the Deputy is available is for the years 2002 and 2003 and is as set out hereunder.
Year
|
Driving Accidents
|
Cost of Repairs
|
Completed Official Course
|
Chief Superintendent’s Permission
|
2002
|
439
|
€393,934
|
354
|
85
|
2003
|
422
|
€407,498
|
330
|
92
|
I am further informed that several personal injury actions as a result of accidents that occurred in 2002 and 2004 are still ongoing. Payments made in 2002 and 2003 will in most cases refer to accidents which occurred in other years. The amount paid out in settlements and costs amounted to €3,277,005.90 in 2002 and €2,501,537.27 in 2003.