Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39611/10]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding a fixed charge offence under the Road Traffic Act, if paid within 28 days of the notice the charge is €80 and for the subsequent 28 days it is €120; the number of fixed charge offence fines that were paid in 2009 and to date in 2010; the number that incurred late payment increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39627/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 68 together. The issuing of fixed charge notices for relevant offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Payment of a fixed charge is a discretionary option for the recipient of a fixed charge notice. The relevant road traffic legislation provides that, during the initial period of 28 days from the date of the notice, payment is accepted at the fixed charge. During the subsequent period of 28 days, payment is accepted at the fixed charge plus 50%. If no payment is made, the recipient is liable for prosecution for the offence alleged. The matter then proceeds to be dealt with by the courts.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person referred to by the Deputy was detected exceeding the speed limit on 19 May, 2010. A fixed charge penalty notice was issued to the person on 27 May, 2010, and delivery was effected as provided for in legislation. The person entered into correspondence with the Garda Fixed Charge Processing Office and was advised to raise the matter with An Post. Payment was received in respect of the notice on 15 July, 2010.

I have requested the Garda authorities to provide the information on the payment of fixed charges requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information is to hand.