A number of gardaí have faced disciplinary action for driving a patrol car with blue lights and sirens without getting the required training.

Gardaí who are disciplined can lose two weeks’ pay for such activity.

Recent graduates of Templemore garda college have not been given advanced driving training, meaning they can drive the patrol car, but not at speed with flashing lights and sirens.

Newly elected GRA Vice President James Mulligan said: “They’re in a patrol car. They’re out in the day-time. The public are looking at them. They’re not allowed activate their blue lights and sirens (and) they’re not allowed break the rules of the road.

“If a member of the public sees a garda ignoring something happening right in front of them, it doesn’t look well.

“It’s putting our members at risk of complaints and at risk of not being able to deal with what they should be dealing with.”