Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree entirely that we need to do all we can to reduce the numbers of casualties and collisions on the roads. I mentioned in response to Deputy John Halligan that the number of collisions, as at 30 September, was down by five on the same date last year, while the number of fatalities is down by four. However, far too many people continue to be seriously injured and lose their lives. I will have to come back to the Deputy on the specific question he put to me on section 12. I will write to him to answer his question on the issue.

Regarding implementation of section 44, I have looked into exactly this issue. My predecessor, Deputy Leo Varadkar, was well aware of the urgency of it and no ball was dropped in relation to it. We are looking at how two very large and complicated systems come together. We have the summons system within the courts and the fixed charge processing system operated by An Garda Síochána. The two systems together generate hundreds of thousands of notices each year. I am reverting back to the sub-group to emphasise again the urgency that must be demonstrated to make this happen. However, it must be done within two parameters. First, it must be at an affordable and appropriate cost to the State and, second, the method of implementation developed must be one which does not put at risk the current level of implementation within the system and its current level of effectiveness.

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