Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce measures for disabled only parking spaces on public roads as enforcement is poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37300/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Amendments made to the Road Traffic Acts from 2004 to 2007 strengthened provisions relating to the illegal use of disabled persons parking permits. It is an offence to make a false declaration in the application for a permit, and to forge, alter or illegally use or lend a permit.

On-street enforcement has been strengthened in that Gardaí and local authority traffic wardens have been given power to inspect permits and to detain any permit that is invalid or is being used in an illegal manner.

The fixed charge of €80 (increasing to €120 after 28 days) that applies to illegal parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay is double the amount of fixed charge that applies to any other illegal parking offence. I am satisfied with this level of fixed charge and have no plans to alter it.