Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019
288. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Courts Service will provide direct data on disqualified drivers in court to the national vehicle drivers file electronically in view of the fact that the new handheld devices have been rolled out to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51710/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Road Traffic Acts fall within the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD.
I am informed by the Courts Service that a project is underway to provide for electronic transfer of disqualification orders to the relevant agency once the time period to lodge an appeal has passed, and no appeal has been lodged. I am further informed that this project is being progressed under the oversight of the Circuit and District Courts Operations Directorate. I understand that the first phase of the project will commence testing early in the new year and will be rolled-out more generally when the testing is complete.
I am further informed that the second phase of the project will focus on the transfer of disqualification orders after appeal. I am informed that it is expected that phase 2 design work will commence during Q1 2020.
I understand that this project is being pursued by the Courts Service independently of the work ongoing in An Garda Síochána to progress the mobility project.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels over recent years, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion, which will increase to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for 2020. Very significant capital investment is also being made, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.
'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, includes a specific action for An Garda Síochána to acquire and commence the deployment of mobile devices for frontline policing, which will provide for a more timely, consistent and targeted approach to roadside enforcement. Implementation of this project is ongoing.
