Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004
44 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the introduction of the dedicated traffic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20303/04]
View answer144 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport further to the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a dedicated traffic corps with a ring-fenced budget, the progress which has been made towards implementing this promise; if he will give a firm commitment with respect to when this promise will be delivered on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20593/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 144 together.
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.
Discussions to date have included the question of the relationship that a dedicated traffic corps will have with the gardaí and in particular whether it will be under the overall control of the commissioner. This issue is central to the development of this proposal. The establishment of a dedicated traffic corps which is independent of the gardaí, would require the introduction of legislation, in particular to establish powers and functions of the corps and its accountability.
In addition, the establishment of a corps that is wholly independent of the gardaí would face formidable hurdles. The powers available to members of such an independent force would need very careful consideration and there is the overriding issue of the capacity of such individuals to engage in more general police work. The need for consideration of this issue has also been central to the discussions in relation to this proposal.
A working group has been established to urgently consider the options available in terms of progressing this proposal. This group comprises representatives from the Department of Transport, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Síochána, the Dublin Transportation Office and the Office of the Director of Traffic. I will be chairing a meeting of this group shortly.
