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Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004

Wednesday, 3 November 2004

Questions (74, 75)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

126 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether a Garda traffic corps can be staffed by relocating 400 gardaí from fine collection to traffic duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27031/04]

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Olivia Mitchell

Question:

141 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dedicated independent traffic corps will be established, particularly in view of the recent decision to increase Garda numbers by 2,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27030/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 141 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána, including all ranks, as at 15 October 2004 was 12,117.

Existing and additional resources provided to the Commissioner will be used to optimum effect and in a focused way. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to examine the question of resource allocation. Among the areas being examined by the Garda Commissioner is the number of gardaí deployed in traffic units. The Commissioner is committed to increasing significantly the number of traffic units around the country as resources become available.

In addition, the commissioner is considering structural changes in this area of Garda activity with the aim of increasing the effective use of personnel and equipment resources available. I will be announcing changes in this area in the near future.

The increase in the number of gardaí will enable extra gardaí to be allocated to the traffic units which enforce road traffic legislation and contribute to reducing road fatalities and casualties throughout the State. In particular, it will make possible an increase in targeting enforcement on high risk locations and times and days of the week, in line with Garda operational policy.

The Government's Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 which was recently launched by the Minister for Transport forms the framework within which road safety policy will be developed over the next number of years. Many of the targets and actions recommended in the strategy are already at various stages of implementation or planning, including the private operation of speed cameras and the outsourcing of the collection of fixed charges. The Road Traffic Bill 2004, which the Minister for Transport has published and which is currently before the Dáil, will facilitate the removal of members of the Garda Síochána from routine administrative duties and the redeployment of these resources for the purpose of front-line policing and enforcement.

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