373. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he plans, in conjunction with the Garda Commissioner, to develop a driving permit specific to members of An Garda Síochána who drive service vehicles in the course of their duties, similar to the Defence Forces AF154 permit system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55290/26]

As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I can inform you that, under section 26 of the An Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation.

Section 38(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 exempts members of An Garda Síochána from laws around driving without a driving licence. The Minister for Justice, with the Garda Commissioner, is considering further changes that may be requested of the Department of Transport to ensure that road traffic legislation provides the appropriate level of legal protection for Gardaí in the course of their duties. I will support, and legislate for, any proposals brought to me for this purpose.