Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 450: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when all Gardaí will be trained in the use of intoxilysers; if he will ensure that on every Garda roster or at each Garda station there will be Garda personnel who are trained in the use of intoxilysers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30852/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in that matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

There are currently 64 evidential breath-testing machines allocated by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety to Garda stations nationwide and it is proposed to increase this with an additional 22 in the near future. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. Training has been and will continue to be provided to the operators of these devices so that a full service can be provided on this particular issue.