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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Driving Offences.

Seán Ryan

Question:

122 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he expects that the proposed penalty point system for driving offences will be in operation; the progress being made in regard to updating computer systems to facilitate the introduction of the points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26687/01]

Question:

571 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has been in contact with authorities in the United Kingdom or elsewhere to acquire the necessary information technology to operate penalty points in order that this system can be launched here as soon as possible. [27006/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 571 together.

The Road Traffic Bill, 2001, which was published on 28 March 2001, has the principal purpose of providing for the introduction of a penalty points system. It is intended that this legislation will be debated in the Houses of the Oireachtas within the present year.

In addition to new legislation, a number of other initiatives must be taken to facilitate the introduction and administration of a penalty points system. Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, which will require full driving licence holders to carry their licences while driving, will be commenced at the appropriate time.

The administration of the system will also need to be supported by the computerisation of the national driver file, NDF, which is currently being completed. In parallel with the completion of the NDF, a project team involving my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Síochána and the Courts Service has developed a business specification for a penalty points functionality to be added on to the NDF. The consultancy contract for taking this work forward has been awarded and it is intended that the necessary work for the addition of a penalty point functionality to the NDF will be completed by end 2001.

The successful operation of the penalty points system will also depend on IT improvements being developed by the Garda Síochána and Courts Service in relation to fixed charge payments and court convictions for penalty point offences.

In the context of the development of the proposed penalty points system, the operation of such systems in other countries, including the separate systems in Great Britain and Northern Ireland were examined. However, it must be recalled that the design of a penalty points system needs careful consideration in Irish circumstances because of the exclusive constitutional role of the courts in the administration of justice.

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