Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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270. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who successfully completed the Garda van driving course in 2017 and to date in 2018; when this course will run again; the maximum number of gardaí per course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46775/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As you will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing the business of An Garda Síochána including the training of the Garda members and 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 an initial driving assessment at CBD 1 to advanced driving including the highest level 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 by the Commissioner that CBD 2 which is the standard course and is delivered on a continual basis with a maximum of 12 participants on each course. Where scheduling allows, a category B van module is delivered during this course which, on completion, entitles successful participants to drive vans requiring a category B driving licence.

I am advised that van personnel training courses are delivered subject to the operational needs of the organisation with a maximum of 3 participants on each course. On successful completion participants are allowed to drive vans which require a category D1 driving licence.

For the Deputy’s information I have set out below the information requested as provided by the Commissioner.

*As of 13 November 2018