Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is satisfactory that in certain circumstances a garda without a full driving licence is permitted to drive a vehicle on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides for the general prohibition on driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without a driving licence. Subsection (6), however, 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.

This is in line with other provisions of road traffic law which provide certain exemptions from road traffic requirements in relation to the use by a member of the Garda Síochána of a vehicle in the performance of his or her duties.

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.