Vol. 564 No. 5
307 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he has given serious consideration to the setting up of a statutory traffic corps, separate from the Garda Síochána, with responsibility for traffic offences and traffic management, in consultation with local authorities in the State. [9498/03]
The programme for Government contains a commitment relating to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps. As I have already indicated in this House, 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 powers and functions of the corps and its accountability. Establishment of the corps will be progressed in tandem with the preparation of the necessary legislation.
In addition to the consultation process, my Department is examining the practice in relation to traffic policing in other EU member states.
