Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputies for their co-operation in this matter. I look forward to working on the No. 2 Bill and particularly trying out the new process of having a pre-legislative phase so that the Parliament can have an earlier input into legislation. Legislation is sometimes published and it becomes impossible to change. It is so difficult to change that it would be better to have earlier input from Members. We will see how that works with the No. 2 Bill.

Two points were raised in this debate. The Garda Síochána has advised me that the same number of people are being stopped at checkpoints as before. However, anecdotally I am told that checkpoints are less frequent. There are fewer checkpoints but the gardaí are stopping more people at each checkpoint. Perhaps this explains why there were 14 gardaí at the checkpoint at which Deputy Ó Snodaigh was stopped. Perhaps it would make more sense and would be more effective in policing terms if there were more checkpoints and fewer people were stopped at each one. I will have discussions with the Garda Síochána on this point.

Deputy Broughan asked about statistics and I am advised that the delay arises from the Coroner's Court and prosecutions. We do not receive the statistics until a decision is made by the Coroner's Court and a prosecution is completed. The initial details go to the Garda Síochána and the RSA in a short period after the event. I will look into this matter. I understand why we cannot receive information if it is a case before the Coroner's Court or the matter goes to prosecution. The conclusion of these cases can take two or three years. When it comes to testing, we should be able to get information at an earlier stage. I will see if it is possible. I want to be assured that concerns that people are availing of the prejudicial health clause as a loophole are not founded. I will endeavour to have a watching brief on this and I want to know of any instances where this occurs.

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