Vol. 572 No. 3
397 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a traffic corps; and the discussions and actions which he has taken in this regard in the past three months. [23428/03]
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 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 Commissioner is central to the development of this proposal.
The establishment of a dedicated traffic corps which is independent of the Garda, would require the introduction of legislation, in particular to establish powers and functions of the corps and its accountability.
A working group has been established to urgently consider the options available in terms of progressing this proposal. This group will be chaired by my Department and will comprise representatives from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Síochána, the Dublin Transportation Office and the Office of the Director of Traffic.
