The Minister for Transport has said he "remains committed" to a dedicated traffic corps despite reports this morning that the idea had been shelved due to financial constraints.
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Media reports said the commitment made to a traffic force in last year's Programme for Government would not be met due to cutbacks ordered by the Department of Finance.
A spokesman for Mr Brennan said the Minister "remains committed" to the plan, although he conceded there would be "some battles" with the Department of Finance over funding for such a force.
"The Minister has had a number of meetings with the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, on the issue and a working group from the two departments is looking at all aspects of the issue, including the involvement of civilians."
The Minister also intended to discuss "greater use" of the existing Garda traffic corps with the new Garda commissioner, the spokesman said.
He added that while a traffic corps was "crucial", the Minister would make the point that it was not a "save-all" solution. He said the penalty points system had been put in place and should be enforced by the Garda.
The spokesman said the Minister wanted to begin by establishing a traffic corps on a pilot basis for Dublin. It is not yet clear how civilians would be employed by such a traffic corps, but it appears Mr Brennan may consider the use of part-time wardens, along the lines of a system used in London.
However, this would certainly be a controversial move and would probably be resisted by the Garda.
Mr Brennan's spokesman said there were issues surrounding the policing of traffic that had to be tackled. Although civilian employees such as traffic wardens have the power to cite a motorist for a traffic offence where the vehicle is stationary, only gardaí may stop or prosecute a motorist for an offence committed when the vehicle is moving.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Finance said it could not comment on any financial commitment that might be under consideration for the forthcoming Budget.
Asked whether the Department remained committed to measures, such as the traffic corps, included in last year's Programme for Government, the spokeswoman said: "A Government commitment is a Government commitment, but we have to be realistic as well about what can be done in a short time."