Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will publish the guidelines, instructions or guidance that are given to Gardaí regarding dealing with individuals who require medical attention. [43425/06]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 125: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will publish details of guidance given to Gardaí regarding the use of marked or unmarked Garda cars for conveying injured individuals to a hospital to receive medical attention. [43429/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 125 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the carriage of civilian passengers in official Garda vehicles (marked or unmarked) is prohibited except in certain specific circumstances which include conveyance of persons where necessary for the preservation of life. It is also the case that Regulations relating to the treatment of persons in custody make provision for individuals who require medical attention.

I am further informed that the Garda Síochána Code covers all areas of Garda duties including operational, security and administrative duties. All members of An Garda Síochána are issued with a personal copy of the Code, which is retained by the member for the duration of his/her service. The Garda Code is a confidential publication. The Garda Commissioner is of the view that it is necessary that confidentiality be maintained in respect of the Code in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of An Garda Síochána.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training provided to Gardaí in medical or paramedical practices or first aid. [43428/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Student Gardaí at the Garda College receive the following instruction in First Aid:

Phase I — All Student Gardaí received up to twenty (20) hours of First Aid instruction.

Phase III — Student Gardaí are given a refresher training of four (4) hours.

The instruction is provided by staff that are qualified by the National Ambulance Training School as Occupational First Aid Instructors. During Phase I and Phase III, Student Gardaí are given instruction and tested on the following:

(a) Lay rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)

(b) Haemorrhage Control

(c) Crush & Spinal Injury

Student Gardaí also receive instruction in dealing with other medical emergencies, which include the following:

(a) Heart Attack

(b) Shock

(c) Burns

(d) Fractures

(e) Loss of consciousness

(f) Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy.