Vol. 540 No. 1
86 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the proposed penalty points system for driving offences will be in operation; the progress which is being made regarding updating computer systems to facilitate the introduction of the points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19724/01]
The Road Traffic Bill, 2001, which was published on 28 March 2001, has the principal purpose of providing for the introduction of a penalty points system. I intend that this legislation will be enacted this year.
In addition to new legislation, a number of other initiatives must be taken to facilitate the introduction and administration of a penalty points system. Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, which will require full driving licence holders to carry their licences while driving, will be commenced at the appropriate time. The administration of the system will also need to be supported by the computerisation of the national driver file – NDF – which is currently being completed. In parallel with the completed NDF, a project team involving my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Síochána and the Courts Service has developed a business specification for a penalty points functionality to be added on to the NDF. Proposals for the consultancy contract for taking this work forward are currently being assessed in the Department and the contract will be awarded shortly. It is intended that the necessary work for the addition of a penalty point functionality to the NDF will be completed by the end of 2001.
The successful operation of the penalty points system will also depend on IT improvements being developed by the Garda Síochána and the Courts Service in relation to fixed charge payments and court convictions for penalty point offences.
