Ministerial Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004

Tuesday, 9 March 2004

Ceisteanna (293)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

380 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of State and ministerial cars recorded by speed cameras above the speed limit since the introduction of speed cameras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7564/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that since the introduction of speed cameras eight years ago, a total of 1,741 State vehicles have been recorded by speed cameras driving above the speed limit. This figure includes all official Garda vehicles which includes ministerial cars. There are currently 2,007 vehicles assigned to the Garda fleet.

While Garda vehicles have been recorded by speed cameras driving above the speed limit, I would remind the Deputy that vehicles used by members of the Garda Síochána in the performance of their duties as such members are specifically excepted from the speed limits prescribed. This is done pursuant to section 46 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 which provides that the Minister for Transport may prescribe by regulation speed limits and such regulations may provide for exceptions to those limits.