Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1496.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No.244 of 18 June 2024, if she has received the necessary information. [31634/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 18 June 2024 refers to the number of Gardaí who have received Competency Based Driving (CBD) 2 training, broken down by district, in DMR in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that a total of 313 Garda members in the DMR have completed CBD Level 2 training in 2023 and in 2024 up to 17 June.

I am further advised that the data provided is reflective of the members who were stationed in the DMR at the time of training and does not consider transfers, promotions, retirements etc.

I am informed that the table below sets out the number of Garda members in the DMR by District who have received CBD Level 2 training in the years 2023 and in 2024, up to 17 June.

I am also informed that An Garda Síochána do not report on numbers that are fewer than 10. In cases where the requested figures amount to a total of fewer than 10, the personnel referenced may be identifiable to the general public, thus posing a potential risk to their safety.

CBD Level 2 training places provided to each of the Districts within the DMR

I am advised that the above figures are operational and may be subject to change.

For the Deputy's information, 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 frontline Garda drivers. This course contains road craft techniques and emergency response driving.

CBD Level 3 is an addition to the CBD Level 2 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 CBD Level 3 is the highest level of training given to operational members.

The more specialised levels CBD Level 4 and CBD level 5 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.