Relations between the Coalition Government and elements within the Garda Síochána have become fractious as steps are taken to introduce a new Garda complaints system, to inquire into past incidents of unacceptable Garda behaviour and to extend the motoring penalty points system.
A healthy tension is no bad thing between ministers and public servants, provided it operates to the benefit of society as a whole. But, because of its key role, there is a particular need for the Garda to accept internal discipline and legitimate authority. When laws are passed and ministerial and executive decisions taken, its duty is to translate those policy aims into action.
The Government's belated introduction of the penalty points system, last year, was overshadowed by departmental in-fighting over computer costs and by resistance to its implementation within the Garda Síochána. In spite of that, the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, went ahead with the scheme and arranged for much of the administrative work to be carried out by a private company. It was a huge success. About 300,000 speeding tickets were issued by the Garda, compared to 70,000 in the previous 12 months. The combination of penalty points and higher levels of enforcement had a dramatic effect on motorists' behaviour. An estimated 58 lives were saved because drivers slowed down.
Last January, however, an internal Garda audit found the administrative system for penalty points was on the verge of collapse, with insufficient resources, archaic practices and a growing backlog of work. Administrative changes were then made and public assurances given that guilty parties would not escape punishment. Last week, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors indicated its unwillingness to co-operate with an extension of penalty points to cover seat-belt and uninsured driving offences until the system was computerised. In spite of that, Mr Brennan announced the proposed changes will take place this summer. A computerised system is unlikely to be ready until next year.
A shortage of resources is clearly an issue, as the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, attempts to rein in Government spending. But a reluctance by the Garda to embrace new work practices and responsibilities is also involved. The stop-go system of enforcement by the Garda authorities is also questionable. High-visibility policing has targeted speeding offences, drunk-driving and "younger driver behaviour" over the Easter weekend. Sporadic crackdowns of this nature, while useful and potentially life-saving, do not meet the situation. If the law is to be obeyed, there must be consistent policing and a perception amongst motorists that offences will be detected and punished.
Before the last general election, the Coalition Government promised to establish a special traffic police corps with responsibility for the enforcement of motoring laws. That may prove to be the way forward. But significant financial resources will be required.