Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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449. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that were issued per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2871/24]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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450. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that were paid per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2872/24]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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451. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that went to summons stage per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2873/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 449, 450 and 451 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, which includes the enforcement of road traffic legislation and the recording of information on Garda IT systems. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for speeding by Division for the years 2019 up to 31 December 2023.

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 19 January 2024 and is liable to change.

The table below provides abreakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices paid for speeding by Division for the years 2019 up to 31 December 2023.

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 19 January 2024 and is liable to change.

The table below provides a breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices with an offence status of ‘Summons Ready’, ‘Manual Summons’, ‘Company Summons’ or ‘Sent to Courts’ from 2019 up to 31 December 2023.

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 19 January 2024 and is liable to change.

Budget 2024 provides for 800-1000 new Garda recruits. Growing the strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 and beyond will allow the further expansion of specialist units, including the roads policing unit.

Also as part of Budget 2024, €3.6m additional funding has been allocated for GoSafe speed cameras, continuing the increased level of 9,000 hours a month announced last year through the whole of 2024.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.

It is important to note that while a number of Gardaí are assigned to Roads Policing Units, all frontline Gardaí contribute to policing our roads and keeping them safe. On average 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.

Road safety is a shared responsibility which this Government takes very seriously. We have all been shocked by the recent loss of life on our road after many years of progress in making our roads safer.

An Garda Síochána conducted an intensive Christmas Road Safety operation over the Christmas period (1 December – 4 January) involving 8,199 checkpoints, 4,679 of which were for Mandatory Intoxicant Testing. 818 people were arrested during this period on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.