asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to establish a special corps of Garda Síochána or other persons to deal exclusively with the enforcement of traffic regulations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Regulations Enforcement.
8.
A special traffic corps is already in being and fully operational throughout the country, except in two Garda Divisions to which it will be extended in the near future. The corps operates in units of one sergeant and 14 gardaí in all Garda Divisions except Cork East, where the unit consists of two sergeants and 18 gardaí and Dublin, where it has 54 members in all. Thus a total of 284 members of the force are now dealing full-time with road traffic. Moreover a considerable expansion is planned in the Dublin unit.
To complete the picture, I might mention that a total of 87 traffic wardens, 55 of whom are full-time are engaged in the enforcement of the parking regulations in some of the major centres of population and that enforcement of the road traffic laws is part of the duty of members of the Garda Síochána generally.
Is the Minister satisfied that the present strength of the Garda is sufficient to ensure adequate inspection of parked cars in the city?
I am satisfied there are enough gardaí on traffic duty generally throughout the country. However, as traffic is growing and as the complications in the growth of traffic are increasing, it is intended to increase the traffic corps in Dublin city within the next four months. Apart from the special traffic corps, every garda on patrol or on beat is also charged with the enforcement of the road traffic laws generally. The entire force have a responsibility and are alert to the need for responsibility in this area.
Is the Minister aware that on last Friday afternoon there were half a dozen Northern Ireland registered cars parked in Lower O'Connell Street?
I am not aware there were so many cars parked there but I would not be surprised if there were far more cars with Northern Ireland and English registrations, as well as cars from throughout the country. There are literally thousands of non-Dublin cars parked in the city.
Can the Minister ensure that if the bus strike continues car parking in the centre of the city will not be permitted?
I would not like to give any assurance about that. I would have to be guided by the advice from the Garda as to whether it should or should not.