Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in regard to private operators conducting speed checks on roads here; if any report on this matter has been conducted; when a decision on this issue may be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4767/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and my predecessor jointly determined in late 2003 to consider the engagement of operators from the private sector in the operation of speed cameras. This consideration responds to a provision in the Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 — a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library — that the number of speed checks annually should be 11.1 million and this speed enforcement target could be achieved through the deployment of additional enforcement assets through the engagement of private sector camera operations.

The engagement of the private sector in the operation of speed cameras would have to be supported by new road traffic primary legislation. A working group representing our Departments and other relevant agencies is examining a range of issues, including the parameters for operation and deployment of speed cameras and the interaction of any private sector operation with other agencies. I understand the working group is due to report shortly. This will allow my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and myself, to consider all the implications that arise concerning this issue. When we have completed that process, we will consider presenting the matter to Government.