I am informed by the Garda authorities that operation lifesaver has been in operation in the Louth-Meath division since 14 July 1997. It was extended on a phased basis to all Garda divisions during August 1997. This special Garda campaign is intended to produce high visibility patrolling to raise public awareness of Garda enforcement activity and of the serious issues involved in road safety. The operation was designed specifically to increase the enforcement capacity of the Garda Síochána in relation to the detection of four key offences which impact directly on road fatalities: speeding, not wearing seat belts, drink driving and dangerous driving.
The Garda has the most up-to-date sophisticated offence detection equipment. It includes radar guns, tripod mounted laser guns and in-car video cameras. In addition, it has the GATSO unit, a system built into an unmarked vehicle which can monitor a large number of vehicles at any one time and provide rapid computerised readouts of those exceeding the speed limit. It can be deployed to different Garda divisions as required. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that an additional GATSO unit, which was approved by my Department in late 1997, will be acquired shortly. In addition, proposals by the Garda authorities for the provision of additional mobile cameras and automated speed detection fixed cameras are being examined.
There is in each Garda division a traffic corps whose primary responsibility is the enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts. In addition, uniformed gardaí throughout the country are involved in road traffic enforcement activity as required. I have been assured by the Garda authorities that operation lifesaver is monitored on a continuous basis and that the need for additional resources and equipment will be kept under review. No effort will be spared by the Garda authorities to ensure the continuing success of operation lifesaver and I, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, will see that the Garda is provided with the resources necessary to facilitate this.