Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Committee on Transport and Communications: Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 31 - Transport, Tourism and Sport (Supplementary)

4:30 pm

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the Deputy's question on the roads programme, we must continue to rebuild investment in our local, national roads and regional roads. The programme we announced continues investment in a wide variety of roles across the country but I acknowledge that in the coming years the investment must be maintained and, in some areas, increased. In the multi-annual capital plan that the Government is beginning work on, I hope to give an indication of our commitment to doing so.

With regard to penalty points, which were the subject of understandable media focus today, I have been made aware of some issues with regard to the implementation of some penalty points. My overall objective is to protect road safety and ensure all we say and do recognises the need to keep people safe. I have requested advice from the Attorney General and I expect the formal advice tomorrow. When I have it, I will arrange a briefing for Opposition spokespersons on this matter. If and when I become clear, and receive formal advice from the Attorney General about what can be done, I will ensure the Opposition spokespersons are briefed. I am happy to brief any member of the committee if I need to take action on this in the Dáil and the Seanad next week.