Paul McGrath
Ceist:591 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda cars which crashed in 2001, 2002 and to date in 2003; and the Garda stations to which they were assigned. [25341/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Transport.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of accidents to Garda vehicles in 2001, 2002 and 2003, to date, was 414, 386 and 299 respectively. It has not been possible, in the time available for answering parliamentary questions, to compile the details requested regarding the stations to which these Garda vehicles were assigned. The information sought is being compiled at present and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:592 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí injured resulting from Garda cars crashing in 2002 and to date in 2003; and the average time these gardaí were off work recovering from their injuries. [25342/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda personnel injured arising from accidents in Garda cars in 2002 and 2003 (to date) together with the average time that these personnel were off work recovering from their injuries is as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Personnel Injured |
Average Days Sick |
|
2002 |
132 |
57.6 |
|
2003 |
86 |
59.9 |
Paul McGrath
Ceist:593 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the system in place to replace or repair Garda squad cars which have been crashed; and the average waiting time for such replacements or repair. [25343/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that in the event of a Garda vehicle being involved in an accident, the Garda driver forwards a completed MT15 form to fleet management section immediately. The MT15 is a preliminary report of the accident, which notifies fleet management section of the occurrence of the accident and the circumstances surrounding that accident. The public service vehicle inspector will then assess the damage to determine the viability of repairing or replacing the vehicle. Should the vehicle be deemed repairable, three competitive tenders must be obtained before final approval for the repair to be carried out will be given. The decision on sanction for "repair or replace" will normally rest with the technical inspector. If the damage is relatively minor, and the vehicle repair can be completed in a short space of time, then local management may be able to cope from within their existing resources. Where this is not possible, every effort is then made to provide a temporary replacement from feet management section whilst the repair is being carried out. The timeframe for having the car returned to service after minor repairs is normally no longer than two to three weeks. In most instances, for minor accidents, this time is considerably less.
For major repairs and where it is not possible for local management to manage from within existing resources, a replacement car will be provided, depending on availability, as soon as possible. Should the vehicle be deemed a write off, then a new vehicle will be issued as soon as possible, again subject to availability. If a new vehicle is not available immediately, a temporary replacement may be issued, pending the availability of new vehicles. This process should normally take no longer than two to three weeks, and in most instances will be less. In dealing with the replacement of vehicles each case is dealt with on its merits and the urgency of the situation.