Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2004
176 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources which were allocated to the traffic watch scheme during its pilot scheme; the additional resources which were given when it went national; the future resources he plans to provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17125/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources that a telephone system at Thomastown Garda station and a dedicated lo-call number were allocated to the traffic watch scheme during its pilot scheme. The tasks of call taking were in addition to the ordinary duties of the gardaí on duty and training and briefing information was provided to all members operating the system. When the scheme went nationwide on 18 February 2004 an automated answering service began transferring callers to one of six call centres. Training and briefing information was provided to all members operating the system at these six locations.
The road signs, both for the pilot scheme and nationwide scheme, are provided by the National Roads Authority. The traffic watch system is being kept under review and Garda management are satisfied that the resources allocated to this scheme at present are sufficient to meet the demands of the scheme.
