Shane Ross (Independent)

I agree with Senator Morrissey and thank Senator Brian Hayes for raising this issue. We should discuss the system if the gardaí are concerned about the imposition of penalty points. I was one of those who wholeheartedly welcomed the imposition of penalty points on the basis that they save lives. It cannot be argued that we oppose penalty points if this is the case.

However, there is much seemingly uninterpretable and conflicting evidence that these points do not save lives and some of this evidence comes from the Department of Transport. It would be useful if the Minister told this House what are the latest statistics or conclusions of the Government on the practice of penalty points. I believe they save lives.

I will confess some interest in this. Recently, I opened my post at home and the first letter was a fine of €80 for speeding. The second letter I opened——