Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda members in each roads policing unit by Garda division; the number of members in each division trained in the use of the new mobility device to facilitate the issuing of fixed charge notices at the roadside; the divisions yet to receive training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24643/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, and I will revert to her when this is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 174 for answer on 17 September 2020, in which you requested “the number of Garda members in each Roads Policing unit by Garda Division; the number of members in each Division trained in the use of the new mobility device to facilitate the issuing of fixed charge notices at the roadside; and the Divisions yet to receive training’.
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are 64 Roads Policing units nationally. I am informed that at 31 August 2020 there were 730 Garda personnel assigned to these units. A full breakdown of members attached to each Roads Policing Division is attached at Appendix 1.
It is important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through specific enforcement operations.
I understand that the Commissioner established the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State agencies.
I also understand that in addition to a focus on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, Divisional Roads Policing Units work closely with other relevant Divisional Units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 323 members have been provided access to the FCN App on their mobility device. As part of the deployment of this technology all members are required to complete online training on how to use the new FCN App.
The number of members by Division that have access to the FCN App is attached at Appendix 2.
I am further advised that additional FCN App workshops are currently planned and a list of same by Division is attached at Appendix 3.
For further information about Roads Policing Gardaí numbers, I would refer you to the tables that are available on my Department’s website which cover every year since 2009 and give a breakdown of Gardaí assigned to Road Policing roles by Division.
These tables are updated monthly and may be found at: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Roads_Policing_Unit
Appendix 1
Members assigned to Roads Policing Duties at 31 August 2020
|
DIVISION |
Aug-20 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
11 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
17 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
22 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
12 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
15 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
20 |
|
D.M.R. TRAFFIC |
109 |
|
KILDARE |
30 |
|
LAOIS / OFFALY |
24 |
|
MEATH |
19 |
|
WESTMEATH |
17 |
|
WICKLOW |
21 |
|
CAVAN / MONAGHAN |
19 |
|
DONEGAL |
22 |
|
LOUTH |
20 |
|
SLIGO / LEITRIM |
20 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
22 |
|
TIPPERARY |
30 |
|
WATERFORD |
16 |
|
WEXFORD |
24 |
|
CORK CITY |
32 |
|
CORK NORTH |
27 |
|
CORK WEST |
23 |
|
KERRY |
24 |
|
LIMERICK |
31 |
|
CLARE |
17 |
|
GALWAY |
39 |
|
MAYO |
26 |
|
ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD |
21 |
|
TOTAL |
730 |
Appendix 2
Members with FCN App
|
Division |
Members with FCN App |
|
DMR |
45 |
|
Kildare |
28 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
27 |
|
Wicklow |
20 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
29 |
|
Meath |
19 |
|
Waterford |
29 |
|
Wexford |
29 |
|
Westmeath |
19 |
|
Louth |
7 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
2 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
1 |
|
Galway |
1 |
|
Clare |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
11 |
|
Cork City |
8 |
|
Cork North |
5 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
Cork West |
2 |
|
Limerick |
23 |
|
Total |
323 |
Appendix 3
List of Divisions to receive additional training
|
North Western Region |
Southern Region |
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
|
Louth |
Clare |
DMR North |
|
Donegal |
Tipperary |
DMR North Central |
|
Mayo |
Cork City |
DMR South |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
Cork North |
DMR South Central |
