Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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475. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fixed penalty point notices that were issued for alcohol related incidents between 21 December 2012 and 2 January 2013 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2432/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 341 incidents of driving while intoxicated were detected during the period 21 December, 2012 to 2 January, 2013.

The provisions of the Road Traffic Act 2010 include a graduated system of penalties, including a new fixed charge option for lower level offences for first time offenders. Other categories of driving while intoxicated continue to be dealt with by means of prosecution. I am advised that seven fixed charge notices relating to drink driving offences were issued for driving or attempting to drive while exceeding the alcohol limit contrary to section 4(4)(a) and 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 for the period 21 December, 2012 to 2 January, 2013. Given the short period of time elapsed since the period in question, the figure for fixed charged notices will likely increase as cases are processed.