Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has reviewed a recent report by the European Traffic Police Network that found that speeding motorists on Irish roads had one of the lowest chances of being caught across the 23 countries that were examined in the speed survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26846/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Excessive or inappropriate speeding is a significant contributory factor in road traffic collisions. As part of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 - 2012 and in accordance with the strategic goals of the Garda Síochána Policing Plan, a targeted approach to speed enforcement is being undertaken in order to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries on our roads and improve road safety.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the National Roads Authority, has completed an extensive analysis of the collision history of the road network. Sections of road have been identified where a significant proportion of collisions occurred where speed was deemed the primary contributory factor. Based on this analysis, a list of speed enforcement zones has been drawn up. An Garda Síochána is utilising these zones to direct speed enforcement activity in a proportionate and targeted manner. The zones are subject to on-going review. Work on implementing the safety camera project which will provide an additional 6,000 hours speed enforcement time a month to augment Garda resources is underway.

The years 2008 and 2009 were the lowest years on record in Ireland for road fatalities, and this downward trend is continuing to date in 2010. In 2008, there were 279 fatalities recorded, a reduction of 17% on the previous year. In 2009, there were 242 fatalities recorded, a reduction of 13% on 2008. Up to 29 June this year, 22 less people have been killed on our roads, compared with the same period last year.