asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that present legislation in regard to the control of traffic is out of date, totally inadequate for modern needs, and results in, among other things, the waste of much time by the Gardaí in the execution of their duty; and, if so, whether he can now state if he will be in a position to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the traffic law before next Easter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Traffic.
I do not accept the statement in the first part of the question. Existing legislation gives considerable power to the Garda authorities in the matter of the control of traffic, and as the Deputy is aware, the Garda authorities in conjunction with the local authorities, are using these powers. Part of the traffic problem is a physical one that will not be solved by amending legislation. A Bill to amend the Road Traffic Act, 1933, is under consideration, but I am not in a position yet to say when it will be introduced.