Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 658: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speed checks that were carried out by gardaí in 2004; and the way in which this compares with the target in the road safety strategy. [29180/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the specific statistics sought by the Deputy for the period in question are not available. However, I can inform her that 211,928 speeding offences were detected in 2004. These figures are provisional and liable to change.

It is envisaged that by the completion of the period of the road safety strategy 2004 to 2006, at least 50% of the overall vehicle fleet will pass through a speed check each month. This target is based primarily on the deployment of additional enforcement assets through the engagement of private sector concerns for the purpose of the operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. The Deputy will be aware that, in July this year, the Government gave approval to outsource and privatise the installation and operation of speed cameras. Legislation to allow for this is being drafted by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, and the Garda authorities inform me that they have commenced preparatory work with regard to the tendering process.