Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
229. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on any engagements he and his Department have had with the Garda Commissioner regarding roads policing staffing levels, with regards to the Road Safety Strategy, if an increase in staffing levels has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31585/26]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational policing matters, such as the allocation and deployment of Garda resources, and determining the manner in which Garda resources are to be distributed throughout the state and allocated to specific Garda units. Under Section 34(1) of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is independent in the performance of his or her functions. In that regard, questions in relation to enforcement, including Garda staffing levels should be directed to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
As the Deputy will be aware the current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under this Strategy was published in July 2025 and comprises 12 primary transformative actions and 77 supporting actions. The Action Plan is being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities.
Implementation of the Phase 2 Road Safety Action Plan is overseen at Ministerial level by the Road Safety Leadership Group (RSLG), which meets quarterly. I chair this Group which is attended by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. This Group also comprises senior officials from all key road safety partners including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities.
While the primary function of this Group is to oversee implementation of the Road Safety Action Plan it also provides a mechanism for ongoing engagement, at a senior level, on road safety matters including in relation to Garda road safety enforcement activities.
