Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that a system is in place to ensure that all Garda vehicles are maintained in a proper roadworthy condition; what is done in this regard; and if he will make a statement bearing in mind the recommendations of the jury at the inquest of the person struck by a Garda car in Clonskeagh. [13065/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that all Garda vehicles are serviced in accordance with, or in excess of, the manufacturers' recommendations. The day-to-day responsibility for Garda vehicles lies with the district to which the vehicle is assigned. It is the responsibility of the Garda fleet management section to develop policies to ensure that vehicles are maintained in a proper roadworthy condition. The policy for maintenance of the fleet is, where feasible, to use main dealers for a particular make. This will ensure, as far as is possible, that the maintenance of the vehicle complies with standards set by the manufacturers. Every service on a Garda vehicle is a full service. All-important components are checked, particularly those which may impinge on the safety of a vehicle and more particularly the braking components of that vehicle.

I have been further informed that the recommendations of the jury at the inquest of the person struck by a Garda car in Clonskeagh are under consideration by the Commissioner at this time. The Garda Commissioner has recently been authorised to "retire" existing Garda vehicles earlier to keep the fleet in top condition. High mileage patrol cars will be withdrawn and replaced on an accelerated basis over 2006 and 2007 with vehicles which have the most modern driver safety features available.