Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Síochána who are obliged to attend the scene of a road traffic accident; if this is the same obligation for 999 calls and calls direct to the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8706/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that road traffic collisions vary widely in nature and degree, and the number of personnel who attend and the action taken vary accordingly. The number of members of the Garda Síochána who attend at the scene of a traffic collision is dependent upon the prevailing circumstances and is not influenced by the manner in which notification of the collision is received.

The duties of Garda personnel at the scenes of collisions include: rendering assistance to injured persons, procuring medical and spiritual aid for them and arranging for their removal to hospital as appropriate; preserving the scene, that is, preventing interference with vehicles, debris, tracks, marks, etc., until properly noted or, if deemed appropriate, until the scene has been technically examined; reducing any obstruction to traffic as soon as possible or, when necessary, arranging for the temporary diversion of traffic; and noting and collecting all available evidence at the scene.