Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me start and see where I can agree with the Deputy. We need more gardaí; that is a statement of fact. That is why we are putting a huge focus on Garda recruitment and retention. He will also see more measures from us this month on that. Regarding roads policing, I have met the Garda Commissioner and the assistant Garda commissioner with responsibility for roads policing and of course I have met the Minister for Justice. I have personally chaired two meetings of the ministerial road safety committee. This year we will see an increase in roads-policing gardaí. There has also been a direction from the Commissioner regarding a focus on roads policing. We also know that killer behaviours on the roads need to change. You should not need a garda to tell you not to drink and drive. You should not need a garda to tell you not to take drugs and drive. You should not need a garda to tell you not to speed.

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