Vol. 563 No. 2
182 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the gardaí have sufficient manpower and technical assistance to fully implement the penalty points scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7314/03]
The Government's road safety strategy 1998-2002 provided for the implementation of a penalty points system in support of road safety improvement. The legislation necessary for this measure was passed by the Oireachtas in March 2002.
Work is under way on the development of a computerised fixed charge processing system for the Garda Síochána to facilitate the introduction of an electronic system for notification of penalty point offences to the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The computer system will facilitate the full implementation of the relevant provisions of the legislation. It is expected that implementation of the system throughout the country will commence in the second quarter of 2004 with the progressive extension of the system to cater for all penalty point offences taking place as quickly as possible. I am satisfied that sufficient resources will be allocated by the Garda authorities to enable the system to be fully implemented.
Pending the implementation of the computer system, a manual system for speeding offences is in place since the introduction of penalty points for speeding offences in October 2002. I am informed by the Garda authorities that sufficient resources of personnel and equipment are being made available to operate the manual system. I am also informed that the operation of the manual system is kept under constant review by Garda management and that should further resources be required they will be provided.
