Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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327. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that have taken either the level 4 or level 5 Garda driving course in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; the length of time the course lasts; the frequency with which courses are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39513/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including by arranging for the training of the members and civilian staff of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Commissioner that there is a five level suite of competency based driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of members undergoing the relevant training.

The five level suite covers the initial assessment of driving suites at CBD 1 to advanced driving training which includes the highest level of knowledge of road craft and all competency areas necessary to drive high powered vehicles at CBD 4 and the training of Garda driving instructors at CBD 5. I am further informed that the frequency of courses is governed by the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána. The highest level of operational requirement is for levels CBD 1 to CBD 3, while the more specialised levels CBD 4 and CBD 5 are held as needed.

I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and when it is to hand I will write to the Deputy directly.