Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 2

Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the proposals made to date with regard to the establishment of the dedicated traffic corps, promised in the programme for Government; when he expects that the corps will be established and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13679/03]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

99 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to act on the recommendation in the report on the review of Ireland's road safety strategy for the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12768/03]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

222 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport when he expects that the Garda national traffic corps will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7354/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 99 and 222 together.

The programme for Government contains a commitment relating to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps. As I have already indicated in the House, I support the implementation of this proposal through the formation of a corps that will be separately identifiable and visible. The review of the road safety strategy also contains a recommendation that a traffic corps be established. The recommendations in that report are being examined as part of the development of the next road safety strategy.

A consultation process is being progressed, involving my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána, in relation to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps. The question of the relationship between the corps and the Garda, particularly whether it will be under the overall control of the Commissioner, is central to the development of this proposal. The establishment of a dedicated traffic corps will require the introduction of legislation, in particular to establish powers and functions of the corps and its accountability. Establishment of the corps will be progressed in tandem with the preparation of the necessary legislation. In addition to the consultation process, my Department has written to all EU member states in relation to the structure of traffic policing in these countries. The responses received are being examined.

Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 82.