Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 2002

Vol. 556 No. 2

Written Answers. - Road Safety.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

145 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the budget and garda manpower allocated to Operation Lifesaver in each year, 2002 inclusive, since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19672/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible, in the first instance, for the day to day allocation of resources, that there is no specific budget for Operation Lifesaver. The operation comes under the remit of the Garda Vote.

I am further informed that the number of personnel allocated to Operation Lifesaver over the past five years is not readily available. There are currently 30 Garda traffic units in operation. The primary function of these units, which comprise a total of 471 gardaí, is the road traffic law enforcement operation know as Operation Lifesaver. Other divisional and district personnel also contribute to Operation Lifesaver through their enforcement activities.

The Government's National Strategy on Road Safety, 1998 to 2002, identifies three key offences – speeding, drink driving and the non-wearing of seat belts – as contributing to serious and fatal accidents on our roads and prioritises these for enforcement. Operation Lifesaver commenced in 1997 and focuses primarily on these offences and also on ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users.

The operation involves extensive patrols and roadside checkpoints. The Garda also use local and national media to promote road safety. The Garda, along with my Department, are represented on the inter-agency high level group on road safety and report to the group on their enforcement campaigns on a regular basis.