Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
428 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the computerisation of the penalty points system will be completed by the end of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31100/04]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that a live pilot of the fixed charge processing system, which commenced on 30 June last, has been successfully completed. Before nationwide roll-out of the system can take place, legislation to enable the outsourcing of the collection of payments is required to be enacted. This is provided for in the Road Traffic Bill 2004 which is being urgently progressed through the Dáil by the Minister for Transport. In the interim and to maintain the momentum gained from the pilot system, the Garda authorities have decided to extend the system to the Dublin metropolitan region and this was implemented on 22 November last.
When the necessary legislation is enacted and the requisite systems and procedures to enable outsourced collection of payments, including training of counter staff etc. are in place, nationwide roll-out of the system can take place. This will be done as quickly as possible and in this regard plans are already well advanced. Subject to the legislation being enacted in the current Dáil term, I am advised by the Garda authorities that roll-out will commence early in 2005.
