John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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399. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda Traffic Corps has reduced in numbers from 795 assigned gardaí in March 2014 to 655 gardaí in March 2017; his views on same; if he has satisfied himself with these figures in relation to road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33456/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​I meet with my colleague the Minister for Justic and Equality, along with the other major stakeholders in the area of road safety including an Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, Transport Ireland Infrastructure, the Attorney General, the Health and Safety Association and the City and County Managers Association, at the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety, where we come together quarterly to explore ways to make our roads safer for all users.

I have been made aware of the reduction in numbers of the Garda Traffic Corps in recent years as this country dealt with a severe recession.  Indeed staffing levels dropped in all areas of public service over the same time period.

However, in January 2017 I received an assurance by an Garda Síochána that there will be an increase in the Traffic Corps of 10% during 2017, resulting in greater enforcement of traffic law, and that road safety enforcement is a priority in the Garda Policing Plan for 2017.  In addition, I am informed that newly probationed Gardaí now spend 10 weeks with the Traffic Corps to gain experience.

The welcome drop in road fatalities this year to date I believe can be attributed to this and other measures implemented by my Department and our partners in road safety.