asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of the Garda Síochána in the new traffic corps since its inception; the number of resignations since then; and if it is intended to extend this force.
6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Traffic Units.
5.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda traffic units that are operating in the Dublin city area to enforce the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
Two hundred and forty-nine members of the Garda Síochána have been appointed to the traffic corps since it was extended to areas outside Dublin early in 1973. The corps is now operational in all Garda divisions. Since the corps was extended applications for transfers to other duties were made by 16 of its members and these were granted. A further five members were promoted to positions outside the corps. Twelve of the members who left the corps have already been replaced.
It is hoped to expand the Dublin unit of the corps, which has been in existence since 1952 and which at present consists of 58 members, in the near future by 50 gardaí and to allocate six additional cars to it. The expansion of the Dublin unit will be finalised in a few months' time as soon as suitable accommodation, at present being prepared, is ready for occupation.
I should say also that the operations of the traffic corps are under continuous review and if an expansion appears to be warranted in any area an effort will be made to provide for it.
First of all, could the Minister state if he is aware of a report in the Garda Review in connection with this? Is there a lack of opportunity afforded to members of the traffic corps to earn overtime of the type a normal guard might earn because they are in a specialised corps?
I am aware that there was a newspaper report which stated that the traffic corps was being wound up which, of course, is completely wrong. This is not happening. There is no intention of allowing it happen and, as far as I am aware, there is no difficulty.
It was the Garda Review.
I am not aware of anything in the Garda Review.
Is the Minister happy that these people have the same opportunity of earning the maximum fee as have the others?
Yes, indeed. I am quite happy that members of the Garda traffic corps are treated in exactly the same way as other members of the force. The suggestion that there were large-scale resignations is completely wrong. As I have said, since the corps was extended, applications for transfers were made by 16 members and five members were promoted, a total of 21. Of that total, 12 have already been replaced. This is an on-going thing. There is no dissatisfaction or reduction of morale in that corps.
In view of the high incidence of tragedies in the Dublin city area, the Minister has indicated that steps will be taken to deal with this matter in a matter of months. But there is an urgency about this. Can the Minister indicate whether or not arrangements could be made to deal with the supervision of people who cross the roads today? Also, could he indicate whether there is a problem arising out of traffic instructors being downgraded in regard to benefits? Can he give the House any information in particular in regard to the training school in Clontarf?
This is rather widening the scope of the question.
Deputy Briscoe has a question later on the Order Paper dealing with the last point raised by Deputy Timmons. With regard to the first point made by Deputy Timmons I am well aware of the need for expansion of the traffic corps in Dublin. As I have indicated in reply to the question, provision has been made for an extra 50 gardaí to be allocated to the corps, together with six additional cars. Headquarters for this corps are almost ready for occupation and, as soon as it is completed, it will be occupied and the full corps will be in operation.
In view of the fact that so many Members of the House have read this report in regard to the lack of earning capacity of members of the traffic corps in comparison with ordinary members of the Garda Síochána, would the Minister look into this and make sure there is no unfairness to them or lack of opportunities afforded them?
The Deputy can be assured that the Commissioner who is responsible for such matters is concerned to ensure there will be no unfairness shown to any particular section of the force and indeed no unfairness is shown to any particular members of the force.
Would the Minister appreciate the old saying: there is no smoke without fire?
It is a very dangerous cliché. The Deputy can be assured that the traffic corps will be looked after.