Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 16, to delete lines 12 to 24 and substitute the following:

"(a) a person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction where at the time of the commission of the offence—

(i) he or she had been the holder of a driving licence (other than a learner permit) which had expired beyond its period of validity for a period of not more than 12 months before the commission of the offence, and

(ii) he or she has received adequate warning from the licensing authority that the driving licence (other than a learner permit) has expired beyond its period of validity,

to a fine not exceeding €1,000."."

Before people can be prosecuted, local authorities should be obliged to notify them their licences have lapsed. They already notify people that their motor tax is due for renewal and the same should apply with regard to licences. I understand the point made by the Minister of State with regard to the value of a licence and the need for people to ensure it is up to date. However, some people go away for long periods and spend six or eight months away in the sun and may forget about renewing their licence. I propose there should be an onus on the local authority to notify them.