Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the national speed camera programme; the stage the tendering process is at; when the national speed camera programme will be fully operational; the reason there is an ongoing delay with rolling out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22676/09]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in the roll out of the national speed camera programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22677/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.

The emphasis of Garda speed enforcement is on the use of mobile speed cameras, and their capacity in this area has been substantially enhanced recently. In September, 2008 the Garda Commissioner and I launched eight new Garda mobile speed detection vehicles. These state of the art vehicles represent a substantial upgrading of the resources available to An Garda Síochána to address the problem of speeding on our roads, particularly in collision prone zones. An Garda Síochána also has over 400 hand held speed detection devices.

The Garda authorities support the action in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 to implement a safety camera network. Consequently, An Garda Síochána is engaging in a procurement process, in accordance with EU Directives, national public procurement procedures and relevant legislation, for the provision and operation of safety cameras. As a result, a preferred supplier has been selected. Discussions are taking place between my Department, the Departments of Transport and Finance and An Garda Síochána with a view to making every effort to proceed with this project as speedily as possible. Until contract discussions are concluded, it is not possible to indicate a specific timescale for the project.