Irish Justice Minister McEntee has issued a stern warning today concerning using traffic cameras to identify drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel. She emphasised that this breach would lead to automatic fines for offenders.
These sophisticated cameras will also be able to detect phones resting in a driver’s lap, triggering separate enforcement actions.
McEntee’s statements came following her recent meeting with the Road Safety Authority, highlighting a collaborative effort to enhance road safety measures.
This pivotal decision follows Transport Minister Eamon Ryan’s announcement that these cameras will be initially deployed in Dublin before being progressively introduced nationwide.
Their primary function will be to capture instances of motorists disregarding red lights and unlawfully utilising bus lanes, contributing to safer road environments.
McEntee’s remarks were made with her successful bid to obtain Cabinet approval for increased penalties for several knife-related offences.
Defending the decision to raise the maximum sentence from five years to seven years, she emphasised the crucial distinction between merely carrying a knife and carrying one with intent to harm.
The proposed increases, initially outlined in a bill by former Fianna Fáil Justice spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan, were previously put on hold by the government but are now being revisited.
This turnaround in policy has sparked discussions on necessary legislative adaptations, indicating proactive steps towards ensuring public safety.
McEntee highlighted additional legislative changes, raising penalties for importing and selling knives and similar weapons from seven to 10 years.
These measures reflect a concerted effort to deter criminal activities involving dangerous weapons while ensuring a proportional response to different offences.
Moreover, recent legislative amendments were noted, doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm and extending the term for conspiracy to murder to life imprisonment. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to addressing severe crimes with appropriate severity.
In addition to legislative changes, law enforcement capabilities are bolstered with the planned distribution of bodycams to 600 gardaí in Dublin, Waterford, and Limerick this summer. This rollout is part of broader efforts to enhance accountability and transparency within law enforcement operations.
McEntee also hinted at upcoming legislation on Facial Recognition Technology aimed at limited and defined usage in specific contexts for evidence gathering in severe cases. This planned legislation underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology responsibly to support law enforcement efforts.
These strategic initiatives align with strengthened garda powers, resulting in significant seizures, including 44 quad bikes and 133 scramblers, within just over a year.
These actions stem from recommendations by the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, led by Minister James Browne, demonstrating a proactive approach to tackling societal challenges.
The government’s multifaceted approach, encompassing legislative reforms, technological advancements, and enhanced law enforcement capabilities, reflects a comprehensive strategy to promote public safety and address pressing societal concerns.
