Billy Timmins
Ceist:904 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the penalty points review (details supplied). [35078/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 July 2012
Ceisteanna (890)
Freagraí scríofa
Motor cyclists represent a disproportionate number of road fatalities compared to the number of motor cycles registered. While the trend is continuing downwards, in 2010 motor cyclists were the third highest category of road user fatalities at 17, behind car users with 130 road fatalities and pedestrians with 44 road fatalities. To date in 2012, 10 motor cyclists and 2 pillion passengers have been killed on Irish roads. According to recent OECD figures, a motor cyclist is two to three times more likely to be killed in Ireland than in other European countries. In terms of fatality rates per 10,000 registered motorcycles, Ireland was found to have the second highest rate amongst the twenty countries compared.
The Review of the Irish Penalty Points System recommends that, in order to effect a targeted reduction in the number of motor cyclist road fatalities, further research into specific penalties for motor cyclists may be merited. I have referred the Review to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications for its comments. Once I have received the Committee's input I will consider the adjustment of penalty points further.