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Driving Tests.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2005

Wednesday, 16 February 2005

Questions (50)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

95 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí authorised to drive Garda vehicles; the number of such gardaí who have passed the official Garda driving test; his views on the number of crashes involving Garda vehicles; the steps being taken to reduce such crashes having regard not only to the death and injury that can be caused to members but also to personal injury claims that can arise from such crashes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4932/05]

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Written answers

I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles in two circumstances: they hold at least a class B driving licence and have been authorised to drive by the chief superintendent or they have completed an official driving course.

The number of gardaí who have passed the official driving course is 5,386. This figure represents those members of the force who have completed the standard car driver course and the standard motorcycle driving course under the guidance and supervision of trained Garda instructors. In addition, the number of Garda personnel who may be authorised to drive by a chief superintendent is 2,094. There were 439, 423 and 397 accidents involving Garda vehicles in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Garda management is fully aware of the safety issues surrounding vehicles for members of the force. There has been substantial improvements to vehicles, both in their design and construction, in recent years. All vehicles purchased are now required to have a minimum of four stars in the ENCAP system. These vehicles are specified with safety features such as ABS braking, driver and passenger airbags, power steering, central locking, electric windows and anti-shatter film to all glass which minimises the injury risk to occupants from shattered glass in the event of a collision. These items are specified for all vehicles and can contribute greatly to increased safety.

The steps being taken to ensure the provision of improvements in Garda vehicles are twofold: continuously review the vehicle specifications to ensure that they reflect the needs of the Garda force both in terms of safety and the duties to which they will be assigned. 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; and in so far as possible incorporate the recommendations of the above working group in vehicle specifications and implement where possible any other recommendations which might contribute to vehicle improvement and safety.

I have been informed that the working group is now due to report to the commissioner and I look forward to its findings.

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