Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost savings to the Exchequer of the outsourcing of the conduct of speed checks to private operators; the other benefits identified by his Department associated with outsourcing this service; the degree of Garda oversight envisioned; and the additional law enforcement duties he plans to outsource to the private sector. [9879/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government's road safety strategy 2004-2006 proposes that the Garda Síochána will enter into arrangements for the engagement of a private sector concern for the purposes of the provision and operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. Outsourcing of the operation of camera equipment would free up Garda resources for enforcement purposes, thus allowing gardaí to concentrate on detections requiring direct interception, such as driving while intoxicated. New legislative provisions would be introduced to support the initiative.

The strategy makes clear that the overall performance criteria to be applied to the outsourced detection of speeding offences would be determined by the Garda Síochána and camera detection facilities would be used at locations where the Garda Síochána determine there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The purpose of the initiative would be to increase road safety and thereby reduce death and injuries, not increase revenue.

A working group on speed cameras chaired by my Department, and consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority, is currently examining how the provision, operation and processing of the output of speed cameras might operate. Among the issues being considered by the working group are the benefits and financial aspects of outsourcing and the management of any outsourcing project. The working group's consideration of the matter is well advanced and I and my colleague, the Minister for Transport, expect to receive its report and recommendations shortly.