Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the position with regard to the establishment of the Garda traffic corps; if he has met with the Department for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to discuss staffing levels and the timescale proposed for full operation of the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21190/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I was pleased by the announcement late last year by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to the establishment of a dedicated corps of gardaí, under a distinct management structure within the overall force, which will provide for the significant enhancement of the deterrent effect that emanates from high levels of traffic law enforcement.

The question of staffing levels and the timescale proposed for full operation of the unit is a matter for the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, however, for the continuing close communications between our two Departments on these matters, I understand that the timescale for the development of the traffic corps remains as set out in the original statement of the Minister for Justice late last year, that is a 1,200 member corps by 2008.