Written answers
Monday, 9 September 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
Insurance Coverage
Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1076.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason part 56, 4 (a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 is still enforced, given that proof of insurance is visible through the Garda mobility app.[34226/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. Budget 2024 provided an unprecedented budget of €2.35 billion for the Garda Vote, a total increase of 25% since 2020. The unprecedented level of investment into An Garda Síochána has enabled the roll out of the highest number of mobility devices ever, allowing all Gardaí to conduct certain policing tasks on the move.
Every frontline Garda member now has a mobility device, which is essentially a mobile phone that allows them to access a number of specialised Garda apps at the roadside thereby making much more efficient use of their time. These include the ability to issue a Fixed Charge Notice, to check a vehicle's insurance status and if a vehicle is taxed. These tasks can now be done within moments, without the need to return to the station. The Commissioner also stated he aims to have an additional 100 static road safety cameras in place by the end of next year.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that section 56(4)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 may still be utilised as an additional investigative aid by Gardai. The section provides them with the capability to demand insurance details when for example they are investigating incidents such as Hit and Run collisions where Garda investigations may later reveal the identity of a suspect vehicle and driver/owner or when a vehicle is observed at a distance contravening the Road Traffic Act and the Garda is not in a position to stop the vehicle at the particular time.
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