Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is the case that a garda, with the permission of the chief superintendent, may drive a Garda vehicle or a private vehicle without attending a requisite training course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43492/09]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is the case that members of the Garda Síochána are permitted to drive either garda or private vehicles on duty while not holding a current driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43493/09]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the use of bus lanes by gardaí in non emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43494/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 to 163, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles on the authorisation of a Chief Superintendent (a) where they hold at least a class B Driving licence or, (b) where they have completed an official driving course and have been issued with a Certificate of Competency.

Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides for the prohibition of driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without a driving licence. Subsection (6) provides that this requirement does not apply in relation to a member of the Garda Síochána driving a mechanically propelled vehicle in the course of his or her duty.

Section 27 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and regulations made under that Act, relating to vehicles and requirements, restrictions and prohibitions relating to the driving and use of vehicles, provide certain exemptions from the requirements of road traffic legislation for the use by a member of the Garda Síochána of a vehicle in the performance of his or her duties.

The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking Regulations) 1997 - 2005 provide for the use by Gardaí of bus lanes in the course of their duty.

The report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate on roads policing made a number of recommendations relating to Garda driving and these are being considered by the Commissioner.