Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy said, it refers to offences enforced by local authority traffic wardens. They are mainly involved in the use of mechanically propelled vehicles. In such cases where the name and address of an alleged offender is not available or is refused on the demand of the local authority traffic warden, the registration number of the vehicle is available for use in pursuing the identity of the owner. This may not always be practicable, particularly, as the Deputy said, if it is a foreign car. However, to arrest a person who refuses to give a name and address for an alleged parking offence might seem to be a little disproportionate. In any event, the current situation allows the local authority traffic warden to call the Garda to assist in such circumstances.

Section 75 of the Bill provides for the arrest by the Garda, if so required and without warrant, of persons who refuse or fail or give false or misleading details. I may not have made it clear on Committee Stage because I was not clear on the matter in my own mind but it is covered in section 75 of the Bill.

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