Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
349. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice whether a person making a report to An Garda Síochána Traffic Watch is entitled to an acknowledgement of that report, and, where in the case that An Garda Síochána chooses not to proceed with an investigation of the incident reported, notice of that decision and an explanation of the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20249/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána and for the investigation of alleged crime. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
Traffic Watch is a partnership approach to reducing the number of road collisions and fatalities. It brings road users, An Garda Síochána, the National Roads Authority and the Road Safety Authority together in a united and sustained effort to improve safety on our roads.
Members of the public can report traffic-related incidents using the Traffic Watch lo-call number 0818 205 805. These calls are answered and logged by civilian personnel at the Garda Information Services Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The incident is then forwarded to the relevant District Officer (Superintendent) for investigation.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the District Officer then appoints a member of An Garda Síochána to investigate the Traffic Watch complaint. The investigating member makes contact with the complainant to:
• Establish the complainant's version of events
• Establish if there are other witnesses to the alleged incident
• Discuss the possible actions available, including if the complainant wishes the matter to go to court or have the incident dealt with by way of caution, advice or guidance.
If the complainant wishes to go to Court, a written statement is taken, and if not and an offence has been disclosed, arrangements are made to have the matter dealt with by way of caution, advice or guidance.
Where an offence is believed to have been disclosed and the complainant wishes to go to Court, a file is submitted to the District Officer who will decide what action, if any, is to be taken.
In all instances, the complainant should be notified of the outcome of his or her complaint.
