Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
438 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if the National Drivers File automatically transmits information to the Gardaí PULSE system in relation to the penalty point system; if it is not automatic, the way in which information is transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25787/06]
View answer457 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to whether the number of penalty points awarded to a motorist is available to members of the Gardaí from the National Drivers File; the way in which this information is available to the latter; the manner in which Gardaí can access data from the National Drivers File; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25785/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 457 together.
Penalty points are recorded on the relevant driving licence records contained in the National Driver File, which is held and administered by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This flags the record of a driver who has been disqualified due to 12 or more penalty points and whether the disqualified driver has surrendered their driving licence. The file also contains the driver number, full name and address, driver status, driver sex, driver date of birth, personal and public service number and driving licence stock numbers.
I am advised by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government that each week a copy of the Driver File is electronically transferred to the Garda IT Unit. Arrangements have been made within the Garda Síochána for access to this information. In addition, under the provisions of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999 Gardaí can seek information directly from the relevant licensing authority.
There is not an automatic exchange of information directly between the National Driver File and the Pulse system but once details of disqualifications are notified to them they are transferred by the Gardaí to the Pulse system.
There are ongoing discussions between this Department, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Garda Síochána in relation to development and improvement of the penalty point system.
