428 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to recent media reports regarding the availability for sale of devices designed to counter the effect of scanners and other equipment used to detect cars which exceed the statutory speed limits, the action he has taken to ensure that the Garda pursue appropriate enforcement proceedings against the suppliers of these devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8376/04]

Under the Road Traffic (Speed Meter Detectors) Regulations 1991, it is an offence to import, supply, offer to supply, fit, offer to fit a speed meter detector device in a vehicle or to use such a device in a vehicle. The penalties for a breach of the regulations are a fine not exceeding €800 in the case of a first offence, a fine not exceeding €1,500 in the case of a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of €1,500 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or to a fine of €1,500 and a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months in the case of a third or subsequent offence in a period of 12 consecutive months.

Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána. I am, however, aware from recent media coverage of this issue that the Garda has indicated that the use of speed meter detector devices is illegal and that persons breaching the regulations will face prosecution.