Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
288 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Garda vehicles are exempt from undergoing the NCT; if he is affirming this policy; if, in the interests of the health, safety and welfare of gardaí, he will give consideration to reversing this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32591/04]
View answerThe Road Traffic (National Car Test) (No. 3) Regulations 2001 exempt vehicles owned by the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána from the national car test (NCT).
The Garda Commissioner has established a working group, which includes representatives of the GRA and AGSI, to report on the issue of the safety of Garda vehicles, the terms of which are as follows: "Examine and make recommendations taking into account cost factors and value for money, on the most suitable vehicle(s) for use in the force particularly as patrol cars, including the feasibility of obtaining ‘purpose built' or modified vehicles, having regard to the safety of Garda drivers and observers including others being conveyed in Garda vehicles and also other road users."
The working group is also looking at alternatives to the NCT with a view to ensuring the safety of vehicles used by the Garda.
