Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Broughan referred to traffic accidents and deaths. These are always tragic and so sad. Despite every encouragement we can provide and every incentive or initiative we can put in place, accidents will continue to happen. We regret the loss of life in that regard.

It is a matter for the Commissioner to determine the allocation of gardaí to the various sections of the Garda, including the traffic corps. That is a matter of day-to-day management. It was a matter of public politics for the Government to make a decision to reopen the training college in Templemore and increase the level of induction thereto. A total of 800 gardaí will now be trained per year. It is a matter for the Government to make a political decision to bring the Garda strength to 15,000. An extra 4,000 civilian staff by 2021 and an extra 2,000 in Garda Reserve numbers will bring the force up to that level. Obviously, budgetary requirements are a factor and these are determined by the allocations to the various sectors.

I am unsure of the position with regard to the issues relating to section 22.

Technology has advanced to a stage where if an arrest is made or somebody is apprehended, it will indicate whether there is a driving licence or insurance or charges pending or whatever. These matters must be looked at.

I do not know the detailed answer to the two questions the Deputy raised in respect of section 22 and section 44 but I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to respond to Deputy Broughan in respect of those.

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