Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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421. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a new contract to provide additional marked and unmarked Garda vans will be put out to tender during Q2 this year. [7612/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work.

I am informed €10 million has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet in 2024.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The Deputy will be aware that all Garda vehicles, including Garda vans, are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement.

I am advised that the new tender process is currently being undertaken by the Office for Government Procurement. The Deputy will appreciate that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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422. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of CBD Levels 4 and 5 held for gardaí within DMR in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024; the duration of these courses, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7613/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including the training of its members and civilian staff 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 Garda members.

CBD Level 1 consists of a one-day assessment programme. Members who successfully complete CBD Level 1 will be deemed competent to carry out non-response driving functions and routine driving functions commensurate to the role.

CBD Level 2is a two-week Competency Based Driving Course aimed at front-line Garda Drivers. This course contains Road Craft techniques and emergency response driving.

CBD Level 3 is an addition to the CBD2 course and is of three weeks in duration. This course has a requirement for a higher skillset of driving to facilitate the driving of higher powered vehicles. I am advised that Competency Based Driving Level 3 is the highest level of training given to operational members.

The more specialised levels CBD4 and CBD5 are only delivered to members undergoing the selection process to become Garda Driving Instructors.

The frequency of all courses is governed by the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána.

With respect to the specific information requested I have been informed that no Gardaí in the Dublin Metropolitan Region have completed Competency Based Driving Levels 4 and 5 in the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024.