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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - Road Safety.

Tom Hayes

Question:

122 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to review the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23506/02]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

150 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a report from the Garda Síochána on the operation to date of the penalty points system; the number of motorists on whom penalty points have been imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23443/02]

Dan Neville

Question:

152 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the implementation of the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23507/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 150 and 152 together.

The penalty points system was introduced on 31 October 2002. Penalty points will be applied to those convicted of speeding offences in the courts, and to those who pay a fixed charge to the Garda in order to prevent the instigation of court proceedings. I expect that the full application of the penalty points system will be achieved by the end of 2003. The question of reviewing the system will be considered against the background of its full operation.

The recording of convictions for offences is a matter for the Courts Service. In addition, the compilation of data relating to payments of fixed charges where the relevant notices are issued by the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda authorities. Information concerning penalty points recorded for drivers will be held on the national driver file which is the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Local Government.
Where a person is convicted of the commission of a penalty point offence, the Courts Service will advise the Department of the Environment and Local Government so that the appropriate entry can be made in the national driver file. The Garda Síochána engages in a similar process where a person pays a fixed charge in respect of a penalty point offence.
Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 60.
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