Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí trained in the use of the hand-held laser speed gun with a breakdown by Garda division. [14136/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in touch with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí trained in the use of the roadside breathalyser, and the number of gardaí trained in the use of the evidential breath testing machine. [14137/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that training in the use of the roadside breathalyser — alcometer — and the evidential breath testing machine — intoxilyser — is ongoing. The number of gardaí currently trained in the use of the roadside breathalyser and the number of gardaí trained in the use of the evidential breath testing machine as at 5 April 2006 are set out in the following table.

With regard to increased resources for the Garda traffic corps, as a result of the Government's approval of my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, the Garda Commissioner will be in a position, as each cycle of recruit training is completed, to assign additional new members to the areas of greatest need with particular regard to certain priorities. An assistant commissioner, Mr. Eddie Rock, was appointed on 22 February 2005 to head up the corps. Between now and 2008, the traffic corps will increase its numbers to a complement of 1,200 on the following phased basis: 2006 — 805; 2007 — 1,030; and 2008 — 1,200.

It is intended that by the end of the first quarter of 2006 the numbers in the traffic corps will have increased by 60 and thereafter increased by a further 60 each quarter to reach a total complement of 805 at the end of 2006. The new members will be assigned to divisions which have been established, as a result of close analysis and evaluation of road safety issues, to be in most need of additional resources to pursue enforcement strategies.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the level of Garda in-service training on road traffic issues; the courses covered in this area; and the throughput in each course in a typical year. [14138/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that road traffic is a key element of continuous professional development, with the following road traffic related courses provided as part of the continuous professional development programme — traffic corps training, divisional traffic inspectors, traffic corps supervisors, speed detection equipment, forensic collision investigation, fixed charge penalty system, evidential breath testing, PSV inspectors, GATSO, Ultra-Lite-Laser, CPD core programme, conflict resolution, intercultural issues, non-Irish national vehicles-drivers and Stinger.

I have been further informed that the composition of these courses varies, as some of the courses are for members attached to specific areas within the traffic policing function. Some courses are given to all operational members and some are strictly for certain ranks or departments. Garda management states that the information requested by the Deputy on the throughput in each course in a typical year is not readily available.