Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the number of gardaí attached to the Garda traffic corps will not be reduced, in view of the fact that media reports indicated that the corps will be reduced by 30% in numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5796/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation. There is no getting away from the reality that public expenditure and public service numbers have to be reduced in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF. Notwithstanding this reduction in Garda numbers I have been informed by the Commissioner that the Garda Traffic Corps, with the primary role of roads policing, remains in place and that the strength of the Corps, as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 947. This represents a reduction of just over 10% in the Corps since 2009 when the strength of the Force was at an all time high.