Road Traffic Offences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004

Tuesday, 27 April 2004

Questions (622)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

682 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the nature of the legal impediment to establishing a dedicated traffic corps in this State which has caused the Government to renege on its promise to do so in the programme for Government; the date on which this legal opinion was sought and received; the person the opinion was sought from; and the steps being taken by him and his Department to overcome the legal obstacle. [11156/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The commitment in the programme for Government on the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps is the subject of on-going discussions between my colleague, Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, and myself along with officials from our respective Departments.

It is not clear to which legal impediments the Deputy is referring. This topic was discussed briefly at a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the context of the insurance reform programme. As I informed the committee, a number of issues require detailed consideration not least of which is the considerable benefits to criminal investigations, which can ensue from gardaí carrying out traffic duties.

I am not aware of any legal advice on the subject nor did I refer to such advice at the committee, but it is reasonable to assume that any proposals in this area may require primary legislation.