Gardaí 'need more training to drive pursuit vehicles'
The head of the Garda Inspectorate says new recruits must receive training to drive pursuit vehicles while they are still in Templemore.
Robert Olson says his office has previously made this recommendation but it has not been applied.
His comments come after the inquest into the death of woman who was killed during a chase involving gardaí found that some officers involved did not have the proper training.
Mr Olson said that he is particularly concerned in light of the Justice Minister's recent announcement that the force is to get a fleet of high-powered vehicles.
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"They don't train as part of their foundation course, and that's something that we've recommended before," he said.
"We've recommended that they accept only candidates that already, for one, have a driver's licence.
"And as long as they've got them all corralled there at the college, this is where they should give them that training that they need to be able to operate the vehicle in emergency situations.
"I'm particularly a little concerned right now because of this - which they actually need and it's terrific - they're getting these new cars; well, by gosh, you have to have trained people to drive them."
