Ivor Callely
Question:57 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to address the sale of so-called company cars; the measures, if any, she intends to introduce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10276/95]
Written Answers. - Sale of So-Called Company Cars.
I share the Deputy's concern for these, so called, company cars. Such vehicles, many of which are dangerously defective, are bought cheaply, usually by young people, and are driven in a reckless and dangerous manner.
The cars are invariably untaxed and uninsured and in this connection, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, recently made regulations under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 which,inter alia, empower the gardaí to impound vehicles in certain circumstances. In particular, the regulations allow the gardaí to seize and impound a vehicle being driven by a person who the gardaí consider is, by reason of his age, too young to hold a driving licence.
I have been assured by the Garda authorities that these increased powers adequately enable them to deal with the problem.