Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 632: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the new proposal to introduce 16 new penalty point offences at a time when the Garda force has been depleted, he is considering privatising the enforcement of the policing of these new measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1027/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The offences which the Minister for Transport recently announced will be brought within the Penalty Point system are already offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts, which are detected and prosecuted by members of An Garda Síochána. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the inclusion of these offences within the Penalty Point system will ease demands with regard to prosecutions and will provide resource and cost savings to An Garda Síochána.

In accordance with the Road Traffic Acts, a contract is in place for the provision by a private service provider of speed cameras which conduct monitoring and enforcement of speed limits and offences, under the direction of An Garda Síochána. There is currently no consideration being given to privatising any further functions of An Garda Síochána in respect of the enforcement of road traffic legislation.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is fully committed to the Road Safety Strategy 2007 – 2012. In addition I would draw his attention to the fact that I have designated roads policing as a priority for An Garda Síochána in 2012. This is reflected in the 2012 Garda Policing Plan which has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.