Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Deputy Broughan's longstanding commitment to road safety. It is regrettable that it has not always been possible to provide as quickly as might be desired the information on road traffic enforcement issues as sought by the Deputy.

I know that a number of outstanding parliamentary questions for written reply have not been dealt with in the manner the Deputy might expect. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that owing to the very specific and statistical nature of the data requested in many of the questions on road traffic enforcement, the compilation of such data is often particularly intensive in terms of the time required. I also understand that in certain locations it is not possible to collate or break down statistical information in the manner specifically requested by the Deputy. I have raised the issue and I am concerned to ensure at all times that replies to parliamentary questions can be effective and also promptly delivered. I hope the Deputy can appreciate that, even when delays occur in the provision of road traffic enforcement statistics, officials in An Garda Síochána and my Department endeavour to provide a comprehensive and informative response as quickly as possible. I will be happy to speak to the Deputy on a bilateral basis about the issue.

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