Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
531. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda roads policing internal competitions set up in each Garda region or division in 2023 and to date in 2024; the timeframe for each competition; the date and regions due to complete a competition shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19426/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I have been informed that, to date, in 2024 there has been one regional competition which spans across 3 Garda Regions - the Eastern, North-Western and Southern regions. The planned completion date for this competition is Q3 2024.
I have been informed that four Divisional Roads Policing competitions were run by the Garda authorities in 2023. I have been further informed that to date in 2024 there are no divisional competitions underway.
It is important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
On average 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried out by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.
The Garda Commissioner has recently confirmed that all uniform Gardaí will undertake 30 minutes of high visibility roads policing in each tour of duty. This will help increase Garda visibility on our roads and compliance with road traffic laws by motorists.
Funding provided by the Government under Budget 2024 provides for an increase in the number of frontline Gardaí and will also allow for the expansion of specialist units such as Roads Policing as the Commissioner deems appropriate.
