Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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19. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda members in County Louth who are CBD2 trained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60625/22]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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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 the arrangement of training of its members.

I am informed that the allocation of training courses is on a divisional basis with Garda Members selected by local management.

The Garda Driver Training Section provides a range of driving courses to meet the operational demands of the organisation across a wide range of vehicles. There are two training centres in operation, one at the Garda College in Templemore and the other at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park.

Training Courses are designed to meet the changing requirements of operational units and are in line with current Garda policy and procedures.

In 2009, the structure of driving training courses was changed to a Competency Based Driving model with a number of levels from basic non-response driving functions to higher skill-set driving based on the Roadcraft system of driving, including emergency response driving.

The Competency Based Driving Level 2 (CBD2) training is a three-week course aimed at frontline Garda Drivers. The course focuses on responsive driving skills and incorporates the function of emergency response, decision-making, relevant legal exemptions, and tactical guidelines around these.

This format enables successful candidates to “respond” to calls with safety and to perform “compliant” vehicle stops in line with current policy. This course provides the organisation with drivers for district patrol duties and allows them to drive patrol cars assigned to their stations. 

407 Garda members are currently assigned to Louth Division, an increase of over 40% since 2015 when there were 287 members assigned to the Division. These Garda members are supported by 40 Garda staff assigned to the Division at the same date, an increase of over 70% since 2015, when 23 were assigned to the Division.

I am advised that there are currently 191 members in the Louth Garda Division who are CBD2 trained.