It is my policy and that of the Garda authorities to maximise the amount of time which members of the Garda Síochána spend on outdoor operational duties.
A number of measures have already been implemented to minimise Garda attendance at Court. These include the following:—
—the computerised scheduling of Court cases so that cases dealt with by a particular Garda are listed together for hearing.
—the vehicle rectification scheme in the Dublin Metropolitan Area which allows motorists to repair vehicle faults within a specified period as an alternative to prosecution and attendance in Court.
—increased use in the Dublin Metropolitan Area of the summons as an alternative to the charge procedure.
Part II of the Criminal Evidence Act, 1992 which provides for the admissibility in certain circumstances of documentary evidence will also release some members from attending Court.
Other measures proposed which would reduce the amount of Garda time spent on administrative duties include:—
—the service, by recorded delivery, of summonses by post. The new arrangements, when introduced, will release a substantial number of Gardaí for other duties, the majority of whom would be serving in the Dublin Metropolitan Area.
—work is proceeding in my Department as a matter of urgency on proposals to achieve savings in Garda time through changes in procedure in criminal cases. These measures will reduce significantly the demands made on the Gardai in relation to certain Court attendances.