Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 457: To ask the Minister for Transport his estimate of the number of vehicles on roads here which are registered for motor tax and other purposes outside of Ireland; if the penalty point system applies to drivers who are temporarily resident here; if he is satisfied that the type of motor insurance required in their home countries gives the legal cover required on roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6413/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Transport has no figures on how many vehicles registered outside the State operate on our roads. Under the EU motor insurance directives that have been adopted by all member states, it is mandatory for drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in the EU, when driving in a public place, to be insured for third party liability. Furthermore, an insurance policy extends to covering the motorist against third party liability when he or she drives in another EU member state.

Outside of the EU, Ireland, along with over 40 other countries, is a member of the green card system. This system facilitates the movement of vehicles across international borders by the use of an internationally acceptable document proving the existence of insurance, the green card or international insurance card. This ensures that victims of foreign registered vehicles are not disadvantaged.

I would also like to point out that all victims of uninsured driving, whether the driver of the uninsured vehicle is Irish or a non-national, are entitled to compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, MIBI, which is funded through our motor insurance premia. MIBI is part of a European organisation, Council of Bureaux, which facilitates common insurance arrangements to permit international vehicle movement across Europe. In particular MIBI acts as insurer of foreign vehicles in Ireland to facilitate Irish citizens who have been involved in an accident with a foreign motorist. Any victims of vehicles identified as not registered in this State and not insured will be compensated by the MIBI who will then seek recompense from the home bureau of that vehicle.

If a penalty points offence is committed, penalty points will be recorded on the national driver file in the name of the person concerned, irrespective of nationality or residence.