Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 494: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when training will take place to inform the Garda Síochána of the new penalty points offences; the way in which the offences will be enforced in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3288/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that training for members of the Garda Síochána in the new penalty points offences, FCPS, commenced on 14 December 2005. Training is now completed in many divisions and is currently ongoing in the remaining Garda divisions.

In regard to enforcement, I announced the establishment of the Garda traffic corps in November 2004. The strategic review of traffic policing was published at the same time. An assistant commissioner — traffic — was appointed on 22 February 2005. He has been tasked with implementing the recommendations contained in the strategic review which encompass a number of resource areas, including human, transport and speed detection equipment. Implementation will be over a three and a half to four year period.

I am informed that the strength of the Garda traffic corps on 31 December 2005 was 570. Its strength will be increased over the next three years as follows:

This expansion of the staffing resources of the traffic corps will occur in tandem with the overall expansion of the Garda force to 14,000 members over that period. All personnel assigned to the new traffic corps will have completed the standard training programme. It is important to remember that all gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to enforce road traffic laws as and when breaches of road traffic laws occur.