Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Penalty Points System.

Bernard Allen

Question:

112 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport when he expects that the proposed penalty points 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. [17557/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The Government road safety strategy 1998-2002 provided for the implementation of a penalty points system in support of road safety enforcement. The legislation necessary for this measure was passed by the Oireachtas in March 2002.

Penalty points will be applied in respect of a wide range of minor offences, the commission of which have a potentially negative impact on road safety. These include excessive speeding, red light running, poor lane discipline, non-compliance with stop and yield signs and a number of offences relating to vehicle safety.

Excessive speed is recognised as the most significant contribution to road accident causation and has already been the subject of significant investment in enforcement measures by the Garda Siocháná. The importance of achieving safer speeds is recognised as a key priority of the current road safety strategy.

I am therefore giving high priority to the introduction of penalty points on a phased basis, commencing with its application to speeding offences, which I expect to be operational by the end of this month.

The penalty points system will be operated through the national driver file. Before the system becomes fully operational the NDF must be supported by the IT systems of the courts and the Garda. The development of these IT systems is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 108.