Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an alleged traffic offence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4024/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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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, which is a matter for the Department of Transport, 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 per cent. 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. The legislation does not allow for acceptance of payment under any circumstances outside the statutory time limit of 56 days.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person referred to by the Deputy was detected exceeding the speed limit on 28 June, 2010. A fixed charge penalty notice was issued to the person on 7 July, 2010, and delivery was effected as provided for in legislation. I am further informed there is no indication of any difficulty with delivery of the notice.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of vehicles seized by gardaí for no tax, no insurance or no national car test certificate in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of these vehicles which have been crushed or sold off to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4035/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.