Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

392 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí patrolling the streets of Dublin by motorcycle at any given time; the subsistence arrangements for meals that are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16435/03]

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

I have been informed by the garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, each of the six Garda divisions and the regional traffic division have dedicated traffic units operating primarily on motorcycles.

The six divisional traffic units work shifts from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. These members focus their attention on traffic management during rush hour between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Operation Artery. The six Garda divisions provide 26 motorcyclists on average each morning and afternoon. All of these members on the late shift remain operational until 7 p.m. each evening on traffic management duties. A reduced number of motorcyclists remain on duty until 11 p.m. Monday to Friday. Divisional traffic members also perform duty on Operation Lifesaver at weekends between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.

In addition to the personnel provided by the six Garda divisions, the regional traffic division also operates from 6.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. A total of 18 motorcyclists and two jeeps are committed to Operation Artery both morning and evening. All the regional traffic division members on the late shift remain operational until 7 p.m. each evening on traffic management duties. A reduced number of motorcyclists operate on night shift between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Regarding the subsistence arrangements in place, I am awaiting further information from the Garda authorities and will be in touch with the Deputy in due course.