PAC to consider the intervention by the Minister on its examination of the cancellation of motoring fines

In addition to taking evidence from the Garda Commissioner, the Committee had received documentation from two whistle-blowers which alleged inappropriate use of discretion on the part of those Gardaí who had the authority to cancel fines. The Committee had already agreed to hear evidence from these whistle-blowers and was due to meet tomorrow at 4.30 pm to discuss how this evidence would be taken. The Committee now notes that that the Minister for Justice and Equality has today referred this matter to the Garda Ombudsman Commission.

Chairman of the Committee John McGuinness TD, this evening stated: “The Committee’s intent in hearing from the Whistle-Blowers was to get a better understanding of the system so that we could bring a report to the Dáil with recommendations on how the weaknesses in the system, many of which were discussed last Thursday with the Commissioner, can be addressed. We are not investigating the actions of any member of An Garda Siochána which is not within our remit or capacity.

“We will now have to take cognisance of the Minister’s direct intervention into the work of the Committee and we have an opportunity to discuss the full implications of this at our scheduled private meeting tomorrow,Tuesday, 28 January. Part of that consideration will entail taking take legal advice on the continuation of the Committee’s examination of the C&AG’s Report on the management of the fixed charge notice system.”

 For further information please contact:

 Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee of Public Accounts Membership

John McGuinness (Chairman)
Kieran O’Donnell (Vice Chairman)
Paul J Connaughton,
John Deasy,
Gerald Nash,
Simon Harris,
Michael McCarthy,
Mary Lou McDonald,
Sean Fleming,
Eoghan Murphy,
Derek Nolan,
Shane Ross