Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1035: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of prosecutions that arose in the years 2000 to 2005 inclusive for the non-wearing of seatbelts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25657/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the numbers of prosecutions for non-wearing of seat belts in the years 2000 to 2004 are shown in the following table:

The number of prosecutions in 2005 is not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda staff time and resources. The declining trend in prosecutions is indicative of a greater awareness of motorists in ensuring seat belts are worn. This has been brought about through Garda enforcement and the extension of the penalty points system to include seat belt offences in August 2003.