In the programme for Government, there is good news on Garda recruitment. I acknowledge the Tánaiste's role in it and we all welcome it. It is very important. However, as reported in the motoring section of yesterday's Irish Independent, there is no longer a Garda traffic corps. In the past, 1,200 members of the Garda Síochána carried out the role. While those gardaí are still in the system and road safety is part of the programme, when will we reintroduce the Garda traffic corps? We have more vehicles on our roads and more accidents, and, unfortunately, road deaths are increasing. The fact the traffic corps has been taken away is a major problem. We need to reintroduce it. Can the Tánaiste see it happening in the near future?

It is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide precisely how she uses the resources available to her. Road safety is a very high priority for the Garda Commissioner and members of the Garda Síochána and everything is being done. I note what the Deputy said about the recent increase in deaths, particularly in deaths of pedestrians and motorcyclists. We must do everything possible to try to reduce the number of deaths and try to maintain the good road safety record and pathway we had been on. Greater numbers are using our roads and the risks are greater. It is a priority and I have no doubt that with increased Garda recruitment, the Commissioner will ensure it receives as many recruits as possible.