Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
448. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the training facilities available at both Garda headquarters and the Garda Training College for the Garda driving school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45862/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for facilities for the training of the members and civilian staff of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are driver training facilities at the Garda College, Templemore and at Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
In the case of the Garda College, driver training is located in a separate building within the confines of the College.
In the case of both the Garda College and Garda Headquarters, the driving schools are self-sufficient as training centres and include a modern classroom containing appropriate networked computer facilities and an interactive whiteboard for classroom presentations, as well as office space and a fully functional and secure garage area. These secure garage areas are also used to ensure the training fleet can be maintained to the highest standard.
Driver training has the use of a private, secure area for slow manoeuvre training within the confines of both the Garda College and Garda Headquarters respectively. Both also have access to the Irish road network, to ensure that course participants receive instruction and training in situations that will be experienced in the live environment.
