The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, has defended the standard of squad cars against complaints that they were posing a threat to the safety of garda∅.
The Garda Representative Association heard yesterday that garda∅ on regular beat duties were using inadequate cars, often with high mileage. The issue arose over concern in the force about the deaths of seven members while on duty in the past four years.
Garda John Tuohy, from Pearse Street station in Dublin, told the conference the condition of the squad cars was a cause of concern throughout the Garda S∅ochβna.
"We have the appalling situation at this time of so-called prosperity of having the worst transport fleet in many years. We have a situation where patrol cars and other transport have mileage well in excess of 100,000 miles. There is increasing disillusionment among members on the ground about the authorities' lack of concern for the safety of our front line."
Mr Byrne said the force had upgraded its training programme for drivers and had introduced a training centre at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park. The quality of the Garda fleet had never been better and he would continue to ensure that his officers were provided with the best available.
The commissioner questioned the claims by some GRA members that high mileage of 100,000 miles or more necessarily indicated that a car was dangerous.
The GRA president, Mr Greg Fogarty, said that despite Government policy of increasing the numbers of garda∅ to 12,000 the numbers of "regular" garda∅ available for beat work was being depleted by transfers to specialist units. He said the State may need to increase the strength of the Garda beyond the 12,000 target to "14,000 or even 15,000" members.
Mr Fogarty also said there was a severe shortage of Garda vehicles for regular policing duties.
"There is one divisional headquarters station which for four months used a Ford Transit Van as a patrol car 24 hours a day because a replacement car could not be given. Then there is the north city station using a Fiat Punto as a patrol car. The number of official vehicles with very high mileages, yet which cannot be changed, is another cause for concern."