Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The failure to implement previous recommendations has been mentioned. One of the chapters in the report on the fixed charge processing system dealt with cancellation of fixed charge notices and a number of recommendations were made. I am interested in the area of statutory exemption for emergency vehicles. My understanding is that it applies to members of the fire service, ambulance service or An Garda Síochána who receive a fixed charge notice while in an emergency situation, that is, they are in the process of saving someone's life or preventing a criminal action taking place. I think everyone can accept that if they were driving without endangering the public, the points should be cancelled. However, I have a concern. Would the exemption be applied to a garda who is late attending a meeting? How far is the statutory exemption stretched? It cannot be turned into a farce. The public will buy into a member of our emergency services who is carrying out his or her duties not having to face a penalty so long as he or she did not endanger the public when driving.

The inspectorate oversaw this issue. I raised the issue in the Dáil last night and am very concerned about information brought to my attention in recent days. What is the inspectorate's clear interpretation of the circumstances in which a statutory exemption should be granted? I am referring to members of An Garda Síochána driving their own vehicles. When would the exemption be granted?