Vol. 534 No. 5
164 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take to ensure that all Garda cars are suitable for the purposes for which they are used; his views on whether the ten year old car in which gardaí (details supplied) lost their lives may not have been suitable for high speed chases due to its age; and the action he proposes taking to ensure no garda loses his or her life in a similar tragedy in future. [8602/01]
178 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take to ensure that all Garda Síochána cars are suitable for the purposes for which they are used; his views on whether the ten year old car in which gardaí (details supplied) lost their lives may not have been suitable for high speed chases due to its age; and the action he proposes taking to ensure no member of the Garda Síochána in the future loses his or her life in a similar tragedy. [11122/01]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 164 and 178 together.
I would like to begin by again expressing my sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two members of the Garda Síochána who lost their lives in this tragic accident. The young men who died paid the ultimate price in the service of their fellow citizens. Their sudden and untimely deaths are, however, an example of the dangers that each member of the Garda Síochána can face in the discharge of their daily duties and we should never forget this.
Returning to the question asked by the Deputy, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently a total of 1,355 cars in the Garda fleet and that the average age of the car fleet is two years. While there are cars in excess of this average age in the fleet, I am also informed that older models are not used as patrol cars. They are utilised on special enquiries such as drugs investigations, missing persons investigations, murder investigations etc.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that every effort will be made to replace the older cars this year. The Garda fleet is being constantly upgraded in order to ensure that the most modern facilities are available to members of the Garda Síochána in the performance of their duties. Provision is made in the Garda Vote each year for the purchase and delivery of cars for the Garda fleet.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that cars are purchased for the Garda fleet and allocated – as required – for purposes that are suitable to their capabilities. Not every car purchased for the Garda fleet is suitable for driving at high speeds. It should also be remembered that just because a vehicle is ten years old, it does not mean the vehicle is mechanically defective. Garda cars are subject to the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations and are also regularly serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the discretion of local management and drivers in the use of Garda vehicles is an accepted part of the every day operational nature of policing.
