Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drink-driving checkpoints set up in Cork city and county between 1 December 2016 and 7 January 2017; the number for the corresponding period in the previous year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1619/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am deeply conscious of the serious issue of road safety and mindful of the increase in 2016 of road traffic fatalities. I am also mindful of the traumatic impact of road traffic collisions on those directly affected and their families, as well as the impact of dangerous driving more generally on the quality of life of residents in local communities across the country.

As you are aware, I have no direct role in the enforcement of Road Traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below shows the number of Mandatory Alcohol (MAT) Checkpoints recorded in each of the Garda divisions comprising Cork City and County for the period 1 December 2016 to 8 January 2017 and the same period for 2015/2016. Figures are provided by Garda Division as the information requested is not recorded on a County-by-County basis.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, one which, as you are aware, the Government takes very seriously. Ireland's current Road Safety Strategy (2013 - 2020) aims to place Ireland consistently on the list of safest countries in the EU and beyond. To achieve this, we are continuing to work together in partnership. I attended a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Road Safety recently, along with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the Attorney General and other agencies. This Committee oversees the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy and provides a forum for high-level discussion of road safety issues and generally meets twice a year; however in light of the 2016 increase in road fatalities, the meeting was brought forward to January. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together all stakeholders to see what immediate actions could be taken to reverse the upward trend in road fatalities. During this meeting, An Garda Síochána indicated that there will be an additional 10% increase in the traffic corps during the course of 2017, which should also lead to better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement. An Garda Síochána also informed the meeting that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore.

Following this meeting, my colleague Minister Ross announced that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with an intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will in future receive a mandatory disqualification.