Catherine Murphy
Question:1020. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if all Garda members within roads policing units are fully trained in reading tachographs within HGV vehicles. [18048/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (1020)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all personnel attached to Garda Roads Policing Units receive basic training in the reading of analogue tachograph charts and there are a substantial number of offences that may be detected from the examination of same relating to the use of tachographs.
In addition, I am advised that dedicated personnel within these units have received additional training in respect of the examination and analysis of digital tachographs. I am also advised that each Divisional Roads Policing Unit has been provided with specialised equipment to allow for the downloading of data from digital tachographs and to aid in the identification of tachograph related offences. Any such member may give evidence in relation to driver hours and rest periods, however, if a more detailed analysis of tachograph charts / digital tachographs is required, regarding journeys, speed etc., this is carried out by personnel attached to the Forensic Science Laboratory.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána, with the assistance of the Road Safety Authority, provide ongoing training to all Roads Policing members in relation to the examination of HGV’s. This training is incorporated in the induction seminar provided to all new members of Roads Policing Units and also forms part of the instruction provided at the annual seminar provided to all roads policing members.
While the restrictions imposed by COVID have restricted the ability to conduct these seminars, I understand they will be recommenced as soon as restrictions permit.