Brendan Howlin
Question:79 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources, if any, he is making available to curb excessive speeding over the Christmas 1997 period. [21249/97]
Written Answers. - Road Safety Measures.
Brendan Howlin
Question:115 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources, if any, he is making available to curb drink-driving over the Christmas 1997 period. [21234/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 115 together.
I am satisfied that the Garda has the necessary resources to mount a successful campaign.
The Deputy will be aware that drink-driving and speeding are two of the key offences targeted by "Operation Lifesaver" which was brought into operation in the Louth-Meath division last July and subsequently extended to all Garda divisions. I am informed that "Operation Lifesaver" will place greater emphasis on drink-driving and speeding detections during the Christmas period. In addition, the annual Christmas drink-driving campaign which was launched by the National Safety Council on 21 November, 1997 has the full backing of the Garda authorities. All of these measures will ensure that approximately 40,000 checkpoints will be mounted countrywide over the Christmas period. In addition to the traffic corps, which operates throughout the country, members in uniform will also be involved in increased enforcement during the coming weeks.
The Garda authorities have a range of the most up to date equipment for the detection of speeding offences and traffic control generally. This includes GATSO, a sophisticated mobile radar, video, computer system capable of multiple detections, tripod mounted lasers, laser guns, in car videos and other specialist vehicles.