Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of roadside checkpoints undertaken by An Garda Síochána in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24891/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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.

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 of general policing activity. As part of this activity, members of An Garda Síochána carry out planned and unplanned checkpoints, including those carried out under Operation Anvil and mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints.

An Garda Síochána continually conducts awareness campaigns and enforcement initiatives to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries on our roads, increase driver awareness, prevent and detect breaches of road traffic and transport legislation and promote an improved compliance culture among road users. As part of this enforcement policy, members of An Garda Síochána, as part of their daily duties, have occasion to engage and interact with various road users, which may result in informal resolution, the issue of fixed charge notices or the initiation of formal proceedings.

I am further informed that An Garda Síochána, as part of initiatives to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities on our roads and improve driver behaviour, carry out targeted campaigns and other initiatives, including specific operations at holiday periods, in the light of what is considered necessary.