Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
422. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of CBD Levels 4 and 5 held for gardaí within DMR in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024; the duration of these courses, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7613/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Commissioner that there is a five-level suite of competency based driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of Garda members.
CBD Level 1 consists of a one-day assessment programme. Members who successfully complete CBD Level 1 will be deemed competent to carry out non-response driving functions and routine driving functions commensurate to the role.
CBD Level 2 is a two-week Competency Based Driving Course aimed at front-line Garda Drivers. This course contains Road Craft techniques and emergency response driving.
CBD Level 3 is an addition to the CBD2 course and is of three weeks in duration. This course has a requirement for a higher skillset of driving to facilitate the driving of higher powered vehicles. I am advised that Competency Based Driving Level 3 is the highest level of training given to operational members.
The more specialised levels CBD4 and CBD5 are only delivered to members undergoing the selection process to become Garda Driving Instructors.
The frequency of all courses is governed by the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána.
With respect to the specific information requested I have been informed that no Gardaí in the Dublin Metropolitan Region have completed Competency Based Driving Levels 4 and 5 in the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024.
