Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 802: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda road check points in operation in 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of Garda road check points that targeted road traffic violations by motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29045/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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All members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of relevant traffic legislation, including the Road Traffic and Road Transport Acts. This may occur as part of specific road traffic law enforcement activity or general policing activity. Members of An Garda Síochána carry out planned and unplanned checkpoints, including those carried out under Operation Anvil and mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy without a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.

An Garda Síochána continually conducts enforcement initiatives to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries, increase driver awareness, promote an improved compliance culture amongst the road-users and prevent and detect breaches of road traffic and transport legislation. As part of this, An Garda Síochána have undertaken in the recent past targeted campaigns directed at the use of alcohol and drugs by drivers, non-wearing of seatbelts and compliance by heavy goods vehicles. Mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints operate in conjunction with general enforcement of drink driving legislation. Specific enforcement initiatives take place during periods such as Christmas, New Year, St Patrick's Day and bank holidays, when there is an increased risk of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

As part of its ongoing enforcement activity, An Garda Síochána plans to increase, as part of a multi-agency approach, enforcement in the area of road haulage, so as to identify unlicensed haulage activity and non-compliance by road hauliers with relevant legislation. In this regard, a series of specific three day operations will commence on 15 July.