Vol. 501 No. 6
363 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the framework under which multi-agency check points operate; the number of check points operated in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7069/99]
The multi-agency checkpoints referred to by the Deputy involve the Garda, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. The purpose of the checkpoints is to monitor compliance with various enactments. Each agency operates in accordance with the law relating to its own area of responsibility. In the case of the Garda Síochána, the checkpoints are used to monitor compliance with the Road Traffic Acts. Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended by the Road Traffic Act, 1968, places an obligation on drivers to stop vehicles and keep them stationary.
Garda traffic department checkpoints have always been a regular feature of Garda operations and will continue to be so. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the multi-vehicle checkpoints have been a success to date and that, in appropriate circumstances, they will continue to give other agencies the oppportunity to participate in such checkpoints. Agencies exercise the option to participate, as their own operational needs require.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that approximately 18 multi-agency checkpoints were mounted in 1998.
