Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will appreciate that I do not have a direct role in the distribution of members of An Garda Síochána, nor do I have a direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation. These are operational matters for the Garda Commissioner and An Garda Síochána. However, it is important to note that An Garda Síochána undertakes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other State agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including driving while intoxicated or using drugs, dangerous and careless driving and the gamut of road traffic legislation, by working closely with the Road Safety Authority and other agencies. An Garda Síochána will continue to confront dangerous road user behaviour thorough public presence, the enforcement of the current legislation, education, information and partnership. I acknowledge the importance of the interdepartmental group on road safety, particularly the ministerial committee on road safety, which I attend regularly along with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. I assure the Deputy that this committee plays an important role in ensuring best practice on our roads.

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