Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the recent timetable agreement between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland on the mutual recognition of penalty points; the reason this new regime will not come into force until 31 December 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44016/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The detailed timetable agreed at the recent North South Ministerial Council Meeting includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of parallel legislation, North and South, by 31st December 2014 to allow the mutual recognition of penalty points across Ireland.

The steering and working groups, comprising representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both jurisdictions, have been established to bring the required work forward and decide on how the necessary key deliverables will be achieved legislatively and operationally.  The steering group has met on three occasions and the working group has met on two occasions to date.  Further meetings have been arranged. 

To achieve the December 2014 deadline, a significant volume of work will be required, among other issues, to put in place the necessary administrative arrangements and IT systems and agree data sharing protocols and procedures. In taking the work forward, complex issues need to be addressed by the two jurisdictions with a view to establishing a workable system which is perceived as proportionate and equitable and which attracts widespread public support throughout the island.