Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of penalty points issued in 2006; the number of people subsequently prosecuted in relation to the illegal use of fog lights; the number of people issued with penalty points or prosecuted in relation to the illegal use of a mobile telephone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40050/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 64,196 penalty points have been issued to drivers for this year as at 31 October 2006. Penalty points for mobile phone offences were introduced on 1 September 2006. Penalty points for mobile phone offences were introduced on 1st September 2006. A driver who is detected committing a mobile phone offence has the option to pay a fixed charge of €60 within 28 days from date of issue by the Garda of the Fixed Charge Notice, or €90 if paid within the next 28 day period and incur 2 penalty points instead of being prosecuted in Court. Therefore, as of 31st October penalty points have not been issued in respect of this offence. The number of people prosecuted in relation to the illegal use of fog lights and for mobile phone offences is a matter for the Courts Service.