Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered increasing the fine local authorities can impose for parking illegally in a disabled car parking space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47422/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The possibility of increasing fines for parking illegally in a disabled parking space was considered as part of a review of the Disabled Parking Scheme by my Department in 2010.  The review, which was conducted in consultation with key stakeholders, recommended a number of improvements to the system which have since been introduced, but did not recommend a change in the fines concerned.  

The fixed charge penalty for parking illegally in a disabled parking space is, at €80, double that applying to any other parking offence.  If not paid in 28 days this fine goes up to €120.  If the fixed charge is not paid within 56 days, the case can be taken to court.  The courts have the power to impose a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence and up to €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence.  If an individual commits a third or subsequent offence within one year, the court may impose a fine of up to €2,000 and/or a prison term of up to three months.  

I am satisfied that the penalties available in law for this offence are sufficient, and that they demonstrate the seriousness with which the law regards the misuse of disabled parking facilities.