Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
611. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1671 of 17 September 2014, the reason for the very low number of drivers surrendering their driving licences in circumstances where they have been disqualified from driving after having received the maximum number of penalty points. [36480/14]
View answerIn circumstances where a person reaches the penalty point threshold of 12 points, or 7 points or more for first time learner permit holders from 1 August 2014, a notification issues to the person from the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) of my Department informing them that they must surrender their driving licence to the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS). In addition to this notification, a notice is issued to the licensing authority and An Garda Síochána informing them of each individual penalty point disqualification to ensure that they are aware of the disqualification as well as the driver.
It is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, as the licensing authority to ensure that those drivers who have been disqualified surrender their licence to the NDLS. I will however ensure that this matter be considered in the context of the Penalty Points working group with a view to ensuring that the most effective arrangements are put in place to ensure that all licences are surrendered.
I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the RSA and have asked it to respond to the Deputy directly. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
