Vol. 488 No. 6
9 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details on operation lifesaver; and if he will provide extra resources so that this operation can be extended to other traffic blackspot areas. [6766/98]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that operation lifesaver has been in operation in the Louth-Meath division since 14 July 1997. It was extended on a phased basis to all Garda divisions during August 1997. This special Garda campaign is intended to produce high visibility patrolling to raise public awareness of Garda enforcement activity and of the serious issues involved in road safety. The operation was designed specifically to increase the enforcement capacity of the Garda Síochána in relation to the detection of four key offences which impact directly on road fatalities: speeding, not wearing seat belts, drink driving and dangerous driving.
The Garda has the most up-to-date sophisticated offence detection equipment. It includes radar guns, tripod mounted laser guns and in-car video cameras. In addition, it has the GATSO unit, a system built into an unmarked vehicle which can monitor a large number of vehicles at any one time and provide rapid computerised readouts of those exceeding the speed limit. It can be deployed to different Garda divisions as required. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that an additional GATSO unit, which was approved by my Department in late 1997, will be acquired shortly. In addition, proposals by the Garda authorities for the provision of additional mobile cameras and automated speed detection fixed cameras are being examined.
There is in each Garda division a traffic corps whose primary responsibility is the enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts. In addition, uniformed gardaí throughout the country are involved in road traffic enforcement activity as required. I have been assured by the Garda authorities that operation lifesaver is monitored on a continuous basis and that the need for additional resources and equipment will be kept under review. No effort will be spared by the Garda authorities to ensure the continuing success of operation lifesaver and I, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, will see that the Garda is provided with the resources necessary to facilitate this.
Has there been an interim assessment of the effectiveness of this scheme? Will the Minister indicate the number of accidents that have been prevented by the introduction of this scheme?
I am informed that there were 453 fatalities in 1996 and the figure for 1994 was 474. In the first half of 1997 there were 26 more fatalities than in the same period in 1996. In the second half of 1997 there were, however, five fewer deaths than in the comparative period of 1996. Although the overall number of fatalities increased in 1997, the rate of increase slowed down. This was due in part to the Garda operation lifesaver action plan. The level of road deaths and injuries is still unacceptably high. The Garda avail of every opportunity to warn the general public of the position and at the end of the day it is up to the public, particularly the motoring public, to ensure they exercise the degree of care that is required.
(Mayo): Is the Minister aware the Garda authorities recently expressed considerable concern that young drivers of patrol cars do not complete the mandatory nine day training that is required, that authorisation is given by an authorised officer of chief superintendent rank to garda officers to drive patrol cars with an ordinary driving licence? The Garda, particularly in Dublin, is concerned about the number of young officers who are driving without instruction. What is being done about that matter?
I am not aware of the accuracy of the assertion made by Deputy Higgins, but I will look into the matter and revert to him.
Why does this initiative not have a greater impact on accidents and fatality figures? Is the reason related to the increased number of cars on the road or changing behaviour, or is the system measuring the wrong parameters?
The statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of the Garda in prosecuting offences. In 1993 there were 35,912 prosecutions and 29,590 convictions; in 1994 there 37,478 prosecutions and 32,293 convictions; in 1995 there were 36,719 prosecutions and 30,805 convictions; in 1996 there were 35,841 prosecutions and 33,387 convictions. The Garda, using the most modern equipment, are doing everything possible to help in this matter. Every opportunity is availed of to educate the public. Modern technology is used and further equipment for the Garda Síochána will be approved in the very near future. At the end of the day if a certain segment of the general public ignores the traffic rules, they do so at their peril. That contributes significantly to the number of accidents and deaths on the roads.
