Martin Brady (Dublin North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that motor tax is computerised, there are plans to release gardaí from duties of checking tax discs to enable them to carry out more essential duties. [30124/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The enforcement of motor tax offences is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána. The checking of vehicles for motor tax is not a stand alone function of the Garda Síochána but is carried out whilse checking vehicles and drivers for other violations of road traffic and transport law, such as driving licence, insurance, drink driving, seat belt wearing, illegal haulage, tachograph and road worthiness of vehicle offences. There is further added value to the carrying out of such checks in terms of crime prevention and detection. The Garda authorities have no plans to divert personnel from such enforcement duties. The Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the agreed programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. However, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. One thing I have promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high visibility policing and they will have a real impact.