Vol. 495 No. 4
37 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that out of state lorry operators in this State are exempt from prosecution for road traffic offences due to the State's inability to serve summons outside the jurisdiction or to arrest and detain the offenders to a local court; the action, if any, he proposes to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/98]
I wish to assure the Deputy that out of state lorry operators in the State are not exempt from prosecutions for road traffic offences. Where offences referred to by the Deputy are detected, prosecutions can be taken.
I should also point out if the circumstances of the case and the available evidence warrant it, the gardaí may arrest and charge an offender under the arrest and charge procedures of the District Court.
I would add that arrangements are in place for the service, on persons outside the State, of summonses in respect of offences committed in the State. This is possible under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994.
