Road Traffic Offences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2011

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Questions (209)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

209 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason section 63 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 in relation to the presentation of licences in court has not come into effect; if he will confirm that more than 100,000 penalty points have not been applied to licences due to this loophole; if 96% of drivers who are before the courts due to traffic offences do not present their licence to the court; if this is the reason that so few drivers have reached 12 penalty points; if the resolution of this matter has taken so long due to the deficiencies in the information technology system of the Garda Síochána; if this loophole will be closed in October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28904/11]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Under the Road Traffic Act 2002, penalty points are endorsed on the Irish driving licence record held on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). A current driving licence is required in order for penalty points to be served. At present, it is a requirement, under road traffic legislation, for a driver appearing in court in relation to a road traffic offence to provide his or her driving licence to the Court. Section 63 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 introduces a new requirement for a motorist to provide a copy of their driving licence to the Court, to speed up the logistical and administrative recording of the licence details. I expect to commence section 63 at the end of November.