Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the new mutual recognition of disqualified drivers that is now in operation between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; if he will give a progress report on the moves towards mutual recognition of penalty points between Ireland and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12796/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Bilateral arrangements between the UK and Ireland, under Article 15.4 of the 1998 EU Convention on driving disqualifications, came into operation on 28th January 2010.

As the system only came into effect less than two months ago, it would be somewhat premature to consider reporting on its operation at this time.

Unlike driving disqualifications, there is no agreed international framework dealing with the recognition of penalty points for driving offences and a very significant volume of work needs to be done, including the provision of an appropriate framework of law and international agreement.

My officials will continue to work with the relevant authorities in the UK towards the longer term objective of the Mutual Recognition of Penalty Points.