Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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609. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on interim arrangements for serving notices of fixed charges to drivers issued with penalty points. [2667/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the so called "third payment option" which is provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2010 and the possibility of an interim solution whereby fixed charge notices would be sent by registered post.

Currently, fixed charge notices are sent by post. If the person does not pay within 28 days, a further notice is sent informing them that they may pay the charge plus 50% within a further 28 days. If no payment is made at that point, court proceedings are begun.

Under the third payment option, an individual will receive, with their court summons, a fixed charge notice allowing them to pay up to seven days before the court hearing. This system was legislated for in the Road Traffic Act 2010, and I am moving to bring it in. One of the advantages of the system will be that people will not be able to claim in court that they did not receive a fixed charge notice, given that the third notice will have come with the summons to court.

Following the receipt of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanction, work on the implementation of the third payment option project has been ongoing.  It is my understanding that An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service will continue to work on the project over the coming months with a view to having the necessary arrangements in place as soon as possible next year.