I propose to take Questions Nos. 1672, 1673 and 1693 together.
Under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, as amended, a person who appears in court in relation to an alleged offence under the Road Traffic Acts is required to produce their driving licence or learner permit and a copy of that licence or learner permit, in court. Failure to do so is an offence. The penalty is the general penalty under section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, i.e. a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, a fine of up to €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of up to €2,000 and/or three months imprisonment for a third or subsequent offence within a period of one year. Where a case results in the individual being required to surrender their licence, the licence can therefore be retained by the court at the end of the process. The implementation of the provisions is a matter for the Courts Service and my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
In addition, under section 40 of the 1961 Act, a Garda may demand production of a driving licence and, under 60 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, may seize such licence where the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the individual has been disqualified.
In regard to the figures of licences surrendered, and of cases where people disqualified did not surrender licences, these are matters for the Road Safety Authority, as are any discussions which the RSA may have had with the Courts Service regarding procedures. I have therefore forwarded these aspects of the questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.