Seized Property

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019

Tuesday, 18 June 2019

Ceisteanna (246)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

246. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles impounded per Garda division since the commencement of the Clancy amendment on 22 December 2018 in view of the fact that An Garda Síochána confirmed on 27 May 2019 on a television programme (details supplied) that more than 1,100 vehicles had been impounded from unaccompanied learner drivers since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25097/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that, during the period 22 December 2018 to 12 June 2019, over 1,250 vehicles were seized from unaccompanied drivers under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, as amended (detention of vehicles). Unfortunately, I am informed that these statistics are not compiled in such a way as to identify specific Garda Division at which these incidents were recorded.

I am further advised by An Garda Síochána that the Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing & Major Event Management is continuing to liaise with Garda ICT Division with a view to updating PULSE to allow for the identification of the specific reason as to why a vehicle was detained, i.e. no N.C.T., no driving licence, no tax or insurance certificate.

I am also informed that a total, for all drivers, of 13,550 vehicles were seized under section 41 in the first five months of this year.