Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 52:

In page 8, between lines 38 and 39, to insert the following subsections:

"(13) A person who, subsequent to the receipt by that person of a notice under subsection (11), drives or attempts to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place, shall be guilty of an offence.

(14) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (13) shall be liable on summary conviction

(i) to a fine not exceeding €5,000,

(ii) to a further and consecutive disqualification of a period of not more than 2 years, or

(iii) to both.".

This covers the issue of a person driving while disqualified. This amendment creates a separate offence for a person driving while disqualified and sets out the penalties. It also allows for the extension of the disqualification period and a fine. It is worth considering in view of the serious situation in which a person who is already disqualified takes to the road. Such a person deserves rougher treatment than he or she currently receives.