Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
854. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of members of An Garda Síochána who have a competency-based driver permit level 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36464/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced An Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
It is worth noting that Competency-Based Driving (CBD) Level 4 courses are run solely for the selection of members to serve as Driving Instructors attached to the Garda College. As such, this course is only run once the need arises to fill vacancies within the Driving Schools attached to the Garda College.
While the Garda authorities do not have the specific information sought by the Deputy, I am advised that no CBD Level 4 courses were held in 2019 or 2020. There were 6 CBD Level 4 courses held in 2021 and I understand that 31 candidates were successful in completing the course. I am further advised that there were no level 4 courses in 2022 or up to 3 July 2023, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
