Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Is it the case that gardaí are not equipped when they stop a motorist to investigate a number of issues and, for example, to establish whether he or she is disqualified? Computers in Garda cars should be linked in real time to a database containing such information or it should be accessible on the hand held devices gardaí use. One of the problems is I could be disqualified from driving but if I retain my licence, I could hire a car or purchase insurance legally and to all intents and purposes I could still be on the road. The key issue to be tackled is enabling the Garda to have access to a database containing this information so that members can establish whether a driver is disqualified or insured. The Motor Insurance Bureau estimates 100,000 people driving on our roads do not have car insurance. Is it the case that people use forged tax discs on their cars to pretend they have insurance? Will the legislation address these serious and important issues? If so, will the Garda be resourced accordingly?

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