Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:
303. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of training 50 extra forensic collision investigators in An Garda Síochána in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37555/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of specialist staff within An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will write to the Deputy directly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 303 for answer on 18 September 2018 in which the Deputy requested the estimated cost in 2019 to train 50 extra forensic collision investigators within An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy will recall, the information could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that training for forensic collision investigators (FCI) is generally provided for classes in classes of 12. There are a number of elements to the training including a 5-week course, 12 months under the supervision of a qualified FCI, 2 weeks of Accident Investigation training, and a final exam prior to qualifying as a forensic collision investigator (FCI).
I am advised that the current cost of the initial 5-week training is approximately €36,000 per class. As the course is based on classes of 12, it would require four courses to train 48 participants, with costs amounting to approximately €146,000.
Following this, the member continues their training for a further 12 months under the supervision of a qualified FCI.
The member is then required to complete 2 weeks of Accident Investigation training and the final exam. The cost per class of 12 for this part of the training is approximately £9,800 (Sterling). This amount is in Sterling as certification is provided by a UK academic institution. As such this element of training to qualify as an FCI would cost a total of £39,200 (Sterling) for the provision of four courses to train 48 participants.
The qualification received on completion is a Certificate in Forensic Collision Investigation and is recognised worldwide.
I am further advised that there are currently 34 qualified FCI members in An Garda Siochána. I understand a further 11 members completed the first part of training in August 2018 and transferred to the FCI units in September 2018 to continue their training.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 250.
