Road Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004

Thursday, 27 May 2004

Questions (84, 85, 86)

Phil Hogan

Question:

59 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to roll out the other offences under the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15817/04]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

62 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the computerised penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15779/04]

Damien English

Question:

91 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15767/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 62 and 91 together.

The penalty points system currently applies in respect of the offences of breaching a speed limit, motor insurance and the failure of a driver to wear a seat belt or to ensure that passengers under 17 years of age are appropriately restrained in a mechanically propelled vehicle. I intend to extend the system to cover the offence of careless driving with effect from 4 June next.

The full application of the penalty points system will be achieved when the relevant IT systems being developed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda are completed. I am assured by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that the systems in question will be operational by the end of this year. The question of reviewing the system will be considered against the background of its full operation.