Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017
118. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the work being carried out to remove the 14,700 wrongful driving convictions and penalty points identified in March 2017; if a process will be put in place for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25390/17]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has indicated that it has established a dedicated support helpline for members of the public with queries in relation to the 14,700 people convicted of road traffic offences in court, following the incorrect issuing of a summons. I am advised that An Garda Síochána is also writing to all affected members of the public, explaining what has happened and outlining the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
I understand that An Garda Síochána has been advised by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Courts Service that these 14,700 cases must be brought back before the Courts at Circuit Court level, with a view to requesting that the erroneous convictions be set aside. In this regard, I am informed that An Garda Síochána has established a dedicated team which is liaising with the Courts Service to expedite this process. I am further advised that members of the public affected by these road traffic enforcement errors should await the aforementioned correspondence from An Garda Síochána which will provide further clarification on the matter.
The Garda authorities informed the Policing Authority at its public meeting on 27 April 2017 that it had, at that date, issued letters to 4,500 individuals. This resulted in 3,000 members of the public affected contacting An Garda Síochána, with 1,500 letters being returned undelivered. I understand that An Garda Síochána is now making arrangements to deliver these manually. I am advised that work is ongoing to deliver the necessary correspondence to all those who are affected by this matter.
Finally, I can inform the Deputy that I have written to the Chairperson of the Policing Authority in accordance with section 62O (6) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 (as amended) to report to me on its oversight of the issues which have arisen in relation to fixed charge notices. I requested that an investigation should be conducted to examine all issues arising, addressing as far as possible the reasons why the issues have arisen; the incidence and scale of the issues; and the solutions implemented to ensure there is no recurrence. I am advised that the Authority intends to engage outside expertise to carry out this work.
