Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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596. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the full Road Safety Authority report on disqualified drivers which it produced based on a survey of the national vehicle and driver file in August 2016; the full figures revealed from this survey; the main figures which led to the finding that banned drivers are responsible for the deaths of between 11 and 14 persons yearly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am aware of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) research indicating that there may be as many as 8,000 disqualified drivers on our roads, and that a number of them have been responsible for fatal or major collisions in recent years.  My Department has been advised by the RSA that this research was not the subject of a formal report, and the RSA research included the use of data provided by the National Vehicle and Driver File to the RSA.

I would point out that under new powers provided to the Gardaí under the Road Traffic Act 2014, the Gardaí (since June 2015) can now arrest drivers who are detected driving while disqualified.  Such drivers, following conviction in court, face a maximum fine of €5,000 and/or six months' imprisonment. The Gardaí can also detain, remove and store the vehicle used by such a driver under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.  Furthermore, non-surrendering of a licence is an offence.

I intend to introduce legislation to allow for the publication of the names of drivers who are disqualified following a conviction in court as this has the potential to be an effective tool in dealing with the issue of drivers continuing to drive following a disqualification.

As regards enforcement of road traffic laws, I very much welcome the assurance provided by An Garda Siochana at a Special meeting of the Ministerial Committee on road safety, which I held on 12th January, that there will be an increase of 10% in the traffic corps during 2017 resulting in more check points and greater enforcement of traffic law and that road safety enforcement is a priority in the Garda Policing Plan for 2017.