Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if each divisional public service vehicle inspector must share surveying and other essential equipment with other PSV inspectors on a regional basis: the number of divisional PSV inspectors who do not have their own surveying equipment such as theodolites: if he has plans to ensure that every PSV unit has the necessary equipment to carry out their work as quickly and efficiently as possible; the amount his Department has estimated as the costs of fully equipping each divisional PSV unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8612/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the surveying equipment referred to by the Deputy is not required to carry out the role of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Inspector. PSV Inspectors are issued with a range of protective clothing and safety equipment in addition to mechanical equipment such as hydraulic jacks and a complete set of mechanics tools. The Garda authorities advise that they are satisfied that the Inspectors have access to the equipment necessary to support all aspects of their operational activities. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the specific cost of equipment issued to PSV Inspectors is unavailable as such costs form part of the overall costs associated with providing this type of equipment to the wider Organisation.

The Garda authorities advise that the surveying equipment referred to by the Deputy is used by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and there are currently six sets of such equipment in use, one in each Garda region. Each regional Assistant Commissioner has located this equipment in the most strategically placed Garda station in their region, for use by specifically trained personnel. The availability, type, quantity and use of such equipment is kept under constant review by the Garda authorities within the context of their operational requirements. The total cost of the Forensic Collision Investigation equipment was approximately €303,000 or €50,500 per set.