Garda Equipment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Ceisteanna (371, 372)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

449 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the 22 extra intoxilysers that were requested by the Garda to facilitate the lower drink driving limits will be rolled out to their allocated Garda station; the stations that will receive a new intoxilyser machine; the reason for the delay in rolling out these 22 extra intoxilysers; if he will confirm that each new machine cost in the region of €80,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30851/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. I am further informed that the introduction of the lower limits for breath alcohol in October 2011, as provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2010 (as amended), necessitated the replacement of existing evidential breath testing instruments in Garda stations. In advance of the introduction, 64 evidential breath testing instruments were allocated by the MBRS to Garda stations nationwide. The Garda authorities and MBRS trained Garda personnel from the 64 Garda stations as supervisors and operators of the new instruments.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána have requested an additional 22 intoxilyser devices from the MBRS. In that regard, the MBRS has indicated that the purchase and installation of the devices has been approved. An Garda Síochána and the MBRS are preparing an implementation plan for the installation of the additional evidential breath testing equipment and for the training of sufficient Garda personnel. The following shows table shows the Garda Divisions where the intoxilysers are to be installed:

Garda Division	No. of Intoxilysers
DMR West	2
DMR North	1
Laois/Offaly	1
Meath	1
Kildare	3
Clare	1
Cork City	1
Kerry	1
Cork North	1
Sligo/Leitrim	2
Donegal	1
Cavan/Monaghan	2
Wexford	2
Tipperary	3

I am also informed by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, that each evidential breath testing instrument costs in the region of €10,000.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

450 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when all Gardaí will be trained in the use of intoxilysers; if he will ensure that on every Garda roster or at each Garda station there will be Garda personnel who are trained in the use of intoxilysers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30852/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in that matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

There are currently 64 evidential breath-testing machines allocated by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety to Garda stations nationwide and it is proposed to increase this with an additional 22 in the near future. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. Training has been and will continue to be provided to the operators of these devices so that a full service can be provided on this particular issue.