Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda operation Balloon; the number of vehicles seized for non-insurance or no driving licence; the number of drivers prosecuted for no tax, no NCT certificate and so on; if this operation is still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24308/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Balloon commenced in 2005 and is ongoing. It is an initiative aimed at tackling difficulties being experienced particularly in the Clondalkin Garda District with young male drivers. Garda intelligence had indicated that groups of youths were gathering, particularly in industrial estates in the locality, especially at weekends.

The operation is carried out in conjunction with traffic personnel from the Garda Divisional Headquarters and Dublin Metropolitan Region Traffic Corps. There are no additional costs directly attributable to the operation as it is conducted as part of general policing duties.

I am further informed that to date in 2011, the period for which figures are readily available, the operation has resulted in seven vehicles being detained under the provisions of section 41, Road Traffic Act, 1994, as amended. Thirty-three summonses have been issued for various offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts, including one in respect of not being taxed, five in respect of having no insurance, five for failure to produce an insurance certificate, four for having no driving licence, five for failure to produce a driving licence, two for not displaying a valid NCT disc, two for failure to produce an NCT certificate, four for having no 'L' plates, four for being an unaccompanied provisional driver and one for not wearing a seat belt.