Vol. 547 No. 3
336 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the rules of the road and traffic laws generally will be enforced in the interests of road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3549/02]
I am assured by the Garda that it is fully committed to the enforcement of all traffic laws and to the achievement of the targets set in the Government strategy on road safety, 1998-2002. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to the third progress report of the high-level group on road safety on the implementation of the national strategy, published in July 2001. The report includes details of action items implemented, including Garda enforcement, as well as items to be implemented by my Department and the Garda Síochána. Copies of the report are available in the Oireachtas Library.
I am also informed by the Garda that Garda enforcement activity will continue to focus on the principal offences associated with road fatalities such as speeding, drink driving, the non-wearing of seat belts and dangerous and careless driving. I am further informed that traffic law enforcement will continue to be afforded a high priority by the Garda Síochána and that road safety is an integral element of Garda policing plans.
