Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The fixed charge notice-penalty points system has been a very effective part of the suite of measures to address road safety since it was established in 2002.  The introduction of the system, random breath-testing for alcohol, lower permissible alcohol limits and safety cameras, the establishment of the Road Safety Authority and the Garda Traffic Corps and the enactment of targeted legislation have led to positive changes in driver behaviour and contributed to the reduction in the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads in recent years. The system is also widely accepted by the general public, as evidenced by the fact that over 70% of those served with a fixed charge notice pay the stipulated fine without recourse to the courts. From 411 deaths on our roads in 2001, there was a dramatic reduction to 190 in 2013. As of 12 May last, 67 people had lost their lives on Irish roads this year. That is the same number which obtained as of the same date last year. We are determined to maintain focus on reducing the number further. As of today and although it is not of any statistical significance, there has been one less death on the roads this year.

The main goal of the penalty point system is not to penalise people but to make them more aware of unsafe driving behaviour, to improve driver behaviour and to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Irish roads. A comprehensive review of the system took place in 2012. Recommendations made in the review, namely, the introduction of new penalty point offences and changes to the number of penalty points to be applied in respect of certain offences, were reflected in the new Road Traffic Act 2014, which was signed into law on 25 February last. I will continue to monitor the operation of the system to ensure that it contributes in the most effective way possible to the enhancement of safety on our roads.

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