Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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622. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on revising the system of speeding fines and introducing graduated fines for infringements of the limits at the lower levels and larger fines and penalty points being reserved for those doing reckless and dangerous speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5668/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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One of the main causes of road crashes on Irish roads is excessive and inappropriate speed. My Department, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Siochána and other stakeholders, is continuing to examine this area to identify measures that can be taken to bring about future reductions in fatalities and serious injuries.

The main goal of the penalty point system is to make drivers more aware of unsafe driving behaviour and by doing so, improve that behaviour. I have no plans in the near future to change the current system in relation to speeding offences, although I will keep the Deputy's suggestion in mind when the penalty point offences are next reviewed.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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623. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on facilitating a system of payment of unpaid fines where the outstanding money is added to the amount due on motor tax for a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5669/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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A Criminal Justice Working Group, jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Justice and comprising representatives of all relevant State bodies, was established in March 2014 to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of a report by the Garda Inspectorate into the Fixed Charge Processing System. As part of its deliberations, the Working Group is examining the solutions for addressing the collection of all outstanding road traffic related fines and charges, including the possibility of associating such amounts with the motor tax on a vehicle.  

I will await the outcome of the discussions at the Working Group before deciding what approach might be taken in this matter.