Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
437. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that had penalty points imposed on them by the courts due to Garda error instead of being summonsed who have been contacted by An Garda Síochána; the number of persons who received convictions due to this error; the number of those convictions that were quashed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34904/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am assured that the resolution of this matter is a priority for An Garda Síochána, and a number of steps are being taken to ensure that the persons affected are contacted and a satisfactory outcome achieved. An intensive process of checking and verification, in conjunction with the courts, is ongoing in this regard. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 19 July 2017, 9,830 letters have been issued by registered post to affected members of the public. In some cases it has been necessary to print these letters for a second time for hand delivery in order to ensure receipt and this has occurred in 3,888 cases so far, while in some cases the proceedings in question predate the Criminal Justice Interoperability Project with the checking process therefore being undertaken manually. A further 2,500 letters are expected to issue very shortly.
An Garda Síochána intends to move all appeals at Circuit Court level, however Garda authorities understand that some affected members of the public have engaged their own solicitors to act on their behalf. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that one such case has already been dealt with by the courts, with the court awarding costs to the value of legal aid.
I look forward to receiving An Garda Síochána's final report into this matter shortly, and I intend to make a more comprehensive statement following consideration of this report.
