Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2017
83. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of repeat offenders under the Road Traffic Act 2012 who were previously fined for having more than 50 mg but less than 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. [7916/17]
View answerWith effect from 27 October 2011, certain offences contrary to Sections 4 and 5 of the Road Traffic Act, 2010 (i.e. driving, or attempting to drive, or in-charge of a vehicle while, under the influence of an intoxicant) may be dealt with by way of Fixed Penalty Notice, in lieu of the commencement of criminal proceedings, for persons deemed suitable by the Regulations.
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the statistics requested by the Deputy and I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of response from An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy is aware that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with the intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will, in future, receive a mandatory disqualification. I support Minister Ross's intention to amend section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which should assist us in ensuring more effective enforcement of road traffic offences and making our roads safer. My Department will continue to assist the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in bringing these changes forward.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 16 February, 2017 in which you asked 'the number of repeat offenders under the Road Traffic Act 2012 that previously were fined for having more than 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but less than 80mg.'
As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact you again following receipt of a report from An Garda Síochána.
As you are aware, Section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, as amended, provides that in certain specified circumstances, a person detected for a drink-driving offence may benefit from a Fixed Charge Notice being issued, rather than criminal proceedings being commenced. Furthermore, a person who has been served with a fixed penalty notice and has paid the fixed charge, is not eligible to be served with another fixed penalty notice within the period of 3 years from the appropriate date relating to the endorsement of penalty points on the entry relating to the person or the date of commencement of disqualification, whichever is applicable.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the specific information you requested is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to collate.
