I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 259 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that personnel across the organisation enforce the law in relation to the display of rear view number plates on heavy goods vehicles. PULSE records indicate the following number of prosecutions for failure to display a rear number plate on such vehicles for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Year
|
No. of Prosecutions
|
2002
|
172
|
2003
|
66
|
2004
|
55
|
The Deputy will be aware that recently an assistant commissioner was appointed to oversee the various initiatives being taken by the force in relation to the effective management of road traffic issues. The new assistant commissioner is a member of the top management team in the force and he will bring authority and visible leadership to the traffic corps from the outset.