Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 338: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí driving on provisional or full licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22717/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles in two circumstances: (a) they hold at least a class "B" Driving licence and have been authorised to drive by the Chief Superintendent or (b) they have completed an official driving course.

Members on provisional licences are not permitted to drive official vehicles.

Divisional Officers or Chief Superintendents have the power to authorise a member who is a holder of a full class "B" Driving licence (standard car licence) to drive official cars and vans, subject to the member being otherwise deemed suitable. This applies only to a car or van. This is known as "Chief's Permission".

Members who have been issued with a Certificate of Competency — having completed an appropriate driving course — may also be authorised by Divisional Officers or Chief Superintendents to drive official vehicles. The Certificate of Competency allows a member to drive official vehicles where he/she has completed a course for that particular vehicle.

The fact that members who hold a current Class B Driving licence may with Chief's Permission drive official cars is of assistance to Garda management from an operational point of view.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí who are driving Garda cars generally and have Chief Superintendent's permission, in each region, as at 7 February, 2006 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was as set out in the following table.