Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:
350. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which An Garda Síochána can determine whether a driver licence is a full or learner permit if the driver does not have their licence available at the time of checking; the measures he is introducing to improve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12501/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána further to the information sought by the Deputy and I will be in contact directly with the Deputy on receipt of a Garda report.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 20 March 2018 in which the Deputy asked how An Garda Síochána can determine whether a driver licence is a full or learner permit if the driver does not have their licence available at the time of checking, and the measures being introduced to improve this.
As the Deputy will recall, I undertook to have inquiries made in relation to his query, and officials in my Department contacted An Garda Síochána in this regard.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that currently members do not have the ability, nationwide, to remotely check the status of a driving licence or learner permit at the roadside, if one is not available at the time of checking. However, as part of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme, 2016 – 2021, the Mobility project, whereby mobile phones, equipped with a range of computer applications (apps) specifically to assist operational Gardaí in their day-to-day tasks. 50 devices were issued to Garda personnel, of various rank from Limerick Garda Division, on a pilot basis between January and September, 2018. The pilot has been continuously evaluated and feedback to date is very positive. Challenges have also been identified and are being addressed. The information provided by participants is being used to enhance the apps and mobile phones.
I am further informed that one key application developed for the pilot was a traffic app, which allows users search for vehicle information, by entering a vehicle registration number into the mobile phone. The app gathers information recorded on PULSE in respect of the vehicle, including tax status, ownership information and vehicle warnings. Pilot participants reported that, as a result of access to the traffic app, they were enabled to conduct more vehicle checks which is evident by the fact that 2,500 checks were conducted from commencement of the pilot in January to February 2018.
As a result of the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the pilot, updates to the app have been applied during the pilot with further updates planned. One update, rolled-out by the IT Mobility team, allows users to see the most recent ‘date of sale’ for the vehicle including a driver licence check.
I hope this information is of assistance.
