Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of personnel and vehicles available to the Garda driving and training school; and if he will provide details of the pre-2003 vehicles which have not passed the national car test. [6596/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda driving and training school as at 15 February 2006 was 23, all ranks. This figure comprises four sergeants and 19 gardaí. I have been further informed that the staffing levels of the Garda driving and training school are being examined with a view to reducing the number of personnel driving on chief's permission.

Garda management states that the Garda driving and training school has the following equipment: 18 cars; 16 motorcycles; five 4x4 vehicles; two personnel carriers; two minibuses; and one public order van. Section 3(2) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2000, SI 368 of 2000, states, inter alia, that these regulations shall not apply to a vehicle while in official use by a member of the Garda Síochána.