Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:
99. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána treats the drivers of all cars the same, be they Irish registered cars or foreign registered cars, during roadside check points in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10042/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:
100. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána checks for alcohol, tax, insurance and road worthiness in all cases irrespective of the registration of the cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10043/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
The Deputy ill appreciate that I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.
To be of assistance, I have forwarded your queries on roadside checks to An Garda Síochána and will respond to you directly on receipt of a response.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 99 and 100 of 28 February 2019 wherein the Deputy asked a number of questions regarding driver and vehicle checks, performed by An Garda Síochána, and whether procedures varied depending on the vehicle’s country of registration. The Deputy may recall I had sought information from An Garda Síochána, and I am informed of the following.
During roadside check points, An Garda Síochána treat the drivers of all vehicles in the same manner, regardless of country of registration.
When Irish-registered or foreign-registered vehicles are intercepted, the name and address details are obtained and if an offence is detected a member of An Garda Síochána will proceed with the appropriate course of action. In the case of foreign-registered vehicles, the name and address details are obtained and, where appropriate, a fixed charge notice is issued to the driver. Notices have issued to drivers in Northern Ireland, Europe, America and Australia. Where the fines are paid, the corresponding penalty points are applied to the drivers licence record maintained by the Road Safety Authority.
In the case of safety camera detections, the registered number is captured, however, as An Garda Síochána does not have access to a database of foreign-registered owner names and addresses, a fixed charge notice does not issue.
It is important to note that the Garda Code of Ethics sets out standards and commitments that adhere to the principles of fairness and proportionality. In pursuing their public duties Gardaí are required to adhere to the principles of legality and apply the law in a manner that is fair, equitable and appropriate to the particular circumstances of individual cases. Members of An Garda Síochána will perform their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartially, upholding the Constitution and the law and according equal respect to all people.
I hope this information has been of some assistance.
