Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 87 and 101 together.

The report dated April 2013 from the professional standards unit in the Garda Síochána looked at the processes and systems in place for the cancellation of fixed charge processing notices. The report complements the report prepared by Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahoney on his examination of the allegations of irregularities in the operation of the fixed charge processing system. The two reports recommended a number of changes aimed at ensuring tighter administrative procedures were correctly followed throughout the force in the cancellation of fixed charge notices.

The two reports were published on my Department's website on 15 May. In publishing the reports I welcomed their recommendations for enhanced safeguards to ensure integrity in the fixed charge processing system.  In addition, in order to provide even further public reassurance on the effectiveness of thee changes and with the agreement of the Garda Commissioner, I asked the independent Garda Síochána Inspectorate to review the changes and make any necessary supplementary recommendation and then to review their implementation after 18 months.  The inspectorate is making progress in this work and I expect to receive its report shortly. Its assessment of the recommendations made in the two Garda reports and any further recommendation in this area which it feels is warranted will be put in the public domain via its website.

The Garda Commissioner issued a directive with revised cancellation procedures in regard to fixed charge notices to all members of the Garda Síochána on 30 August. The revised fixed charge processing user manual and procedures must await the report of the Garda Inspectorate as it will be necessary to take account of any recommendation from that source. I also provided the two reports for the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for its consideration and advice on any further recommendation or procedural or legislative change which is desirable in this area. I have also consulted my colleague the Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the matter.

I am absolutely committed, as is the Commissioner, to the introduction of whatever improvements are necessary to ensure continuing public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the implementation of road traffic laws by the Garda Síochána.

See this speech in context