Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 237: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4816/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the system referred to is currently being operated by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) with no police involvement. It consists of a mobile camera system incorporating automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) which allows vehicle registration plates to be checked against a database of untaxed vehicles. Fines on the spot notices are then issued to the registered owners of vehicles which are found to be in use while untaxed. Use of the system in this jurisdiction would require enactment of legislation for which the Department of Transport has responsibility.

I am further informed that An Garda Síochána recently conducted a pilot scheme involving a number of in-car ANPR systems in order to gather appropriate information for a generic system specification for use here. Preparatory work for a procurement process has now commenced with a view to acquiring ANPR systems for deployment in every Garda Division.