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Road Traffic Offences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2015

Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Questions (35)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the measures, and follow-up, being taken by his Department to ensure that driver licence numbers are being recorded in courts for penalty point offences, in particular in cases of drink-driving, dangerous driving and disqualification from driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39051/15]

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Written answers

There is a legal obligation to produce a driving licence in court when summonsed for a road traffic offence under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002.  In addition, it is a legal requirement for the court to record the licence details.  This applies in ALL cases - whatever the alleged road traffic offence, and whether or not the cases result in conviction, penalty points, or disqualification.

The implementation of the legislation is a matter for the Courts Service in the first instance.  While I have no authority to issue directions to the Courts Service, I understand from recent correspondence with them that they are well aware of and fully appreciate the legal position which I have stated. 

Where drivers do not produce their licence in court, they commit an offence.  The bringing of prosecutions in such cases is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

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