Written answers

Thursday, 2 October 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Ministerial Travel

5:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the instructions given to the Garda personnel driving ministerial cars either by his Department or the Commissioner in regard to the need to observe speed limits; if no instructions are currently given, if it is intended to issue same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32839/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed that Road Traffic Legislation, in particular section 27 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004, provides exemptions for the drivers of emergency vehicles, including the use by a member of An Garda Síochána of a vehicle in the course of the duties of that member, from the application of restrictions, requirements and prohibitions imposed under the Road Traffic Acts generally. Such exemptions apply where the safety of a road user is not endangered.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that guidelines for Garda drivers are contained in the Garda Code, which is provided to each member of the Garda Síochána during training. Such guidelines require all members of An Garda Síochána allocated to this type of duty to have been issued with a Certificate of Competency by the Garda College, having successfully completed an appropriate driving course. The guidelines are updated as required and circulated to members. Drivers of Garda vehicles are required at all times to adhere to the standards laid down by the Driving School, and Driver Safety Awareness presentations are made to drivers during the various training programmes.

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