Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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561. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 751 of 20 June 2017 and 533 of 26 July 2017, the number of gardaí that completed the CPD1 and CPD2 driving courses respectively in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017; if different levels of insurance are required and are in place for gardaí driving on chief's permission and those that have completed the CPD1 and CPD2 driving courses respectively; if the Garda report in respect of the number of members of An Garda Síochána driving on chief's permission and the number that have completed CBD1 and CBD 2 courses is now available in view of the fact that it was being collated in July 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47069/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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569. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 20 September 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. [47077/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 569 together.

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 An Garda Síochána provides a 5 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.

This 5 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.  The more specialised levels CBD 4 and CBD 5 are held as needed and are of 4 weeks duration.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the State Claims Agency provides indemnity to all Designated State Authorities - which includes An Garda Síochána. This indemnity applies in respect of any claims for personal injury (including those to passengers, service users, the public and employees) and third party property damage associated with authorised use of Garda Vehicles on approved Garda business.

I have been advised by the Commissioner that the information sought in Parliamentary Question number 751 of 20 June 2017 in respect the number of members of An Garda Síochána driving on Chief's permission and the number who have completed CBD1 and CBD 2 courses, is currently being collated and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.