Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to address the confusion currently being experienced by the Garda Síochána in the implementation of the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8860/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The implementation of the penalty points system is progressing satisfactorily.

The fixed charge processing system, FCPS, was rolled out nationwide with effect from 2 February 2006 having been operating effectively in the DMR, parts of Louth and Meath and Cork city since January 2005. From 3 April the FCPS will handle an expanded range of fixed charge offences which attract penalty points, and additionally current fines on the spot offences will be converted to fixed charge offences. Full integration of FCPS with the Garda PULSE system is planned for mid-April. The payment collection service for fixed charges will be provided by An Post and this is currently being rolled out on a phased basis. By 3 April this service will be operational in all 109 Garda districts, removing the need to pay these fines at the relevant Garda district headquarters.

The rollout of the system is being overseen by a project board which ensures that any problems which occur in the implementation of the system are quickly identified and remedied.