Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speed cameras here on a county basis; the road types or classifications they are situated on; if same are in a permanent position or randomly placed; the number of times their locations are changed if they are randomly placed; the person who is responsible for maintaining and locating these speed cameras; the cost of purchasing and maintaining speed cameras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42065/09]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons caught speeding each year for the past five years by road classification; the number of persons caught speeding each year on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42067/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to takes Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The emphasis in Garda enforcement of speed limits is on the use of mobile speed detection equipment because of the nature of our road network. Eight new Garda mobile speed detection vehicles came into operation in September, 2008. 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. In addition, An Garda Síochána has over 400 hand-held speed detection devices.

The Garda authorities procured an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system last year for installation in 104 Garda vehicles. This system allows for automatic in-car detection by An Garda Síochána of stolen vehicles, untaxed vehicles and vehicles on Garda lists. As a result of the availability of this system, An Garda Síochána not only gains improved intelligence on persons known to them, is able to deny the use of roads to criminals and detect drivers who do not pay their motor tax, they also have enhanced traffic law enforcement capabilities, including the detection of speeding.

In addition, as part of a pilot programme introduced some years ago, there are a number of fixed camera installation posts at various locations in the Dublin area and the Louth-Meath Garda Division, and cameras are rotated between these posts. As none of these cameras are fixed in one location, they are not allocated on a county basis. They are used on all road types and are maintained and located by An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána is engaged in a procurement process for outsourcing the provision and operation of safety cameras, in accordance with EU Directives, national public procurement procedures and relevant legislation. Contract discussions between the Gardaí and the preferred bidder have now concluded. Provision has been made for funding for the project, and it is hoped to enter into the contract shortly. This initiative will make a significant contribution to maintaining the progress being made in increasing the safety of our roads. Details of the number of persons caught speeding by year, road classification and county could not be obtained without a disproportionate use of Garda resources.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the conviction for a person caught driving under the influence of drugs; the number of persons who have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42068/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.