Road Traffic Offences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Questions (795)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

795. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is working in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and the criminal justice working group in examining the feasibility of introducing an electronic system of recording all data relating to road-users and their vehicles, including information on road traffic offences, and similar to the system in place in the United Kingdom which has a centralised database known as the DVLA located in Swansea. [29550/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Criminal Justice Working Group was established following the publication, in March 2014, of the Report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate into the Fixed Charge Processing System. The function of the Group is to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Inspectorate Report.  

The National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) contains the centralised vehicle and driver records in Ireland, including details of driver licensing, penalty points, and motor taxation. A number of the recommendations in the Inspectorate Report highlight the need to maintain the most accurate and up-to-date driver licence information to be accessed by all relevant State bodies. The availability of this information will assist in the endorsement of penalty points on driving licences and the collection of unpaid fines. The Group is examining all possible options and will take into account systems operating in other jurisdictions.