asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make arrangements (a) so that traffic wardens may be the responsibility of the road authority and (b) that his Department subsidise the remuneration of traffic wardens appointed by local authorities; and if any funds can be made available for this purpose out of the Road Fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Wardens.
29.
As regards the first part of the Deputy's question, I would point out that the provision of traffic wardens is, in fact, a local authority function. The relevant legislation provides that the council of a county, the corporation of a county borough, the council of an urban district or the commissioners of a town may, with the consent of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, make arrangements for the patrolling by traffic wardens of places where school-children cross public roads. At present, in certain areas, the Safety First Association of Ireland operates the warden service for the local authorities concerned.
As regards the remainder of the question, the provision of traffic wardens is a local facility which has as its prime object the protection of local children and the cost is properly a charge on local funds. A decision to subsidise the service generally would place an undue burden on the Road Fund. There are undoubtedly a number of smaller towns and urban councils whose resources would be inadequate to provide a warden service without assistance. It may be possible to afford an opportunity for relief of the burden here by way of legislation, and this is being examined in connection with proposals for road traffic legislation.
Does the Minister not consider that this is a traffic problem that should rightly belong to and be the responsibility of the Minister for Justice?
I think the Deputy should ask the Minister for Justice about that.