Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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720. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all Garda road policing unit officers are fully trained in checking tachographs for potential offences. [1215/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have contacted the Garda authorities who have advised that all personnel attached to Garda Roads Policing Units receive basic training in the reading of analogue tachograph charts and there are a substantial number of offences that may be detected from the examination of tachographs.

In addition, dedicated personnel within these units have received additional training in respect of the examination and analysis of digital tachographs. Each Divisional Roads Policing Unit has been provided with specialised equipment to allow for the downloading of data from digital tachographs and aid in the identification of tachograph related offences. Any such member may give evidence in relation to driver hours and rest periods, however, if a more detailed analysis of tachograph charts / digital tachographs is required regarding journeys, speed etc, this is carried out by personnel attached to the Forensic Science Laboratory

The Deputy may also wish to note that An Garda Síochána, with the assistance of the Road Safety Authority, have been providing ongoing training to all Roads Policing members in relation to the examination of HGV’s. This training is incorporated in the induction seminar provided to all new Roads Policing members and also forms part of the instruction provided at the annual seminar provided to all roads policing members.

While the restrictions imposed by COVID have inhibited the ability to conduct these seminars, I am informed that they will be recommenced as soon as restrictions permit.