Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Road Safety Authority keeps matters under review at all times. On the issue the Deputy raises, I will ask for information on whether professional drivers, particularly in the road haulage industry, are more likely than other road users to receive penalty points or have sanctions imposed on them. I am not aware if that is the case. However, I will check the position on behalf of the Deputy to determine whether there is any basis for introducing the type of change he suggests. Tachograph devices record speed as well as the periods during which a vehicle is being driven. Given that this information is captured at all times, I expect that the safety records of professional drivers must be very good. I am genuinely reluctant to make changes that would reduce the deterrent effect of road safety legislation. However, I will soon meet representatives of the Irish road haulage industry to discuss other matters. Perhaps I will ask them at that meeting for their perspective on the implementation of the law. We may be able to make some progress on that basis.