Vol. 563 No. 1
159 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport when the dedicated traffic corps, promised in the programme for Government, will be established and operational; the progress of the planned consultation process to date; if the establishment of the corps will require legislation; if it will have the power of arrest; the discussions that have taken place with the Garda Commissioner on the role of the corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7103/03]
458 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if a decision has been agreed as to the Department which will have overall operational control of the proposed traffic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6913/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 458.
The programme for Government contains a commitment relating to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps. I support the implementation of this proposal through the formation of a corps that will be separately identifiable and visible.
A consultation process involving my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána in relation to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps is being progressed. The furtherance of this proposal raises a range of challenging issues. Of particular importance will be the questions relating to the governance of the corps. Central to that issue is the question of the relationship that the corps will have with the Garda and, in particular, whether it will be under the overall control of the Garda Commissioner. The establishment of a dedicated traffic corps will require the introduction of legislation, in particular to establish its powers, functions and accountablility. Its establishment will be progressed in tandem with the preparation of the necessary legislation.
My Department is also examining the practice in relation to traffic policing in other EU member states.
