I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 384 together.
Work is under way on the development of a computerised fixed charge processing system for the Garda Síochána to facilitate the introduction of an electronic system for notification of penalty point offences to the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The computer system will facilitate the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Act 2002. It is expected that implementation of the system will commence in the second quarter of 2004 with the progressive extension of it to cater for all penalty point offences taking place as quickly as possible. The Minister is satisfied that sufficient resources will be allocated by the Garda authorities to enable it to be implemented.
A manual system for speeding offences is in place on an interim, administrative basis since the introduction of penalty points for speeding offences on 31 October 2002. This is a purely temporary measure pending the implementation of the computer system. The Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that sufficient resources of personnel and equipment are being made available to operate the manual system. The Minister has also been informed that the operation of the manual system is kept under constant review by Garda management and that should further resources be required they will be provided.
A breakdown of the number of gardaí and man hours involved in the manual system is not readily available. It could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.
