The Garda is planning a formal witness protection programme to help the fight against organised crime. The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, said a number of people who will give evidence against criminals were already protected on an ad-hoc basis, but it was time to consider a programme "that would have a structure so that we could evaluate it and monitor it".
He said the cost could amount to between £1 million and £2 million, "but in the drive against crime I don't think a million or two is too high a price to pay".
Mr Byrne said serious crime and the illegal drugs trade remained the force's priority, but it was also concerned with developments including the high number of road traffic fatalities, despite Garda initiatives to combat speeding and dangerous driving.
He said that while the force had a part to play, other agencies and local authorities must be involved, for example in improving roads. "There's not much point in having a particular crossroads and everybody knows there's an accident there every month," he said.
The Garda's Operation Lifesaver began in July. Mr Byrne said the operation had been going well and despite the recent spate of road deaths, it should also be measured in terms of the number of people cautioned and fined. More than £1 million in fines has been collected.