Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 600: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details of the number of fixed speed cameras located throughout the State; the location of these cameras; the number currently fully operational at any one time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22454/05]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 601: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he remains committed to the expanded number of fixed speed cameras in the State; the level of increase; when these will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22455/05]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 616: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the number of fixed speed cameras located throughout the State; the location of these cameras; the number which are fully operational at any one time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22620/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 600, 601 and 616 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 20 fixed camera installation posts at various locations in the Dublin area and the Louth-Meath division. There are three cameras rotated between these fixed camera installation posts. I am also informed by the Garda that there is a range of mobile speed detection equipment, including six GATSO vans — a mobile unit with on board cameras, radar, and computer system — in operation throughout the State. There is also currently in use by the Garda Síochána laser speed detection equipment, including hand held speed detection devices and car-motor cycle systems.

The Government road safety strategy for the period 2004-06 proposes that 11.1 million vehicle speeding checks be carried out per year by the end of the strategy. To enable this target to be achieved, the strategy proposes that the Garda Síochána enter into arrangements for the engagement of a private sector concern for the purpose of the provision and operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. 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 determines there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. Because of the characteristics of the State's road network, the use of mobile cameras is the most practical approach, although the use of fixed cameras may be relevant at a small number of locations.

A working group chaired by my Department and consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority has reported to me and my colleague, the Minister for Transport, on how the provision, operation and processing of the output of speed cameras might operate. We expect to bring proposals to Government shortly.

As the Deputy is aware, a key recommendation of the strategic review was that a new position of Assistant Commissioner in charge of all aspects of road traffic law should be created. In February of this year, the Government approved the appointment of Eddie Rock as Assistant Commissioner and the Commissioner appointed him to take charge of the traffic corps. Never before has the enforcement of road traffic law been given this level of priority within the force. The new Assistant Commissioner is a member of the top management team in the force and he will bring authority and visible leadership to the traffic corps from the outset.