asked the Minister for Justice what equipment is available (a) to all gardaí and (b) at special stations, naming them, to give warnings in darkness of temporary obstructions on roads and to protect the members from traffic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warning of Road Obstructions.
37.
Scotchlite belts for use during hours of darkness are issued to all members engaged on outdoor duty except in city centre stations in Dublin and Cork where public lighting is good. They have recently been issued, however, to members in the Bridewell and Mountjoy stations in Dublin as an experiment for use by members patrolling clearways, where it is felt they may be of value.
The following equipment has been issued to all motor cyclists:
(a) scotchlite belts with rectangular scotchlite fitting at the back, (b) scotchlite strips for helmet and gloves, and (c) scotchlite arm bands.
White coats, white gloves and white sleevelets are issued to all regular pointsmen. White gloves are available for issue to any man doing point duty on special occasions.
In addition to the equipment mentioned above arrangements are at present being made to provide scotchlite gauntlets for all members engaged on outdoor duty.
A set of two reflective triangles with stands has been issued to every one of the 741 stations, with an additional set to 90 stations where a patrol car is based. These are for use at scenes of accidents, etc.
Will the triangles have flashing lights?
Yes.
Will the Minister consider, in addition to the flashing lights, issuing flares such as those used in America?
I will bring that idea to the notice of the Commissioner.