Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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547. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the presentation by the criminal justice fixed charge processing system working group on the summons service review process on 5 July 2017; the outcomes of the review process; the changes that are to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36074/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Further to the Deputy's Parliamentary Questions Nos 73 of 25 May 2017 and 266 of 4 July 2017, the Deputy is already aware that the Criminal Justice Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS) Working Group is monitoring a Garda review of summons service and has included this Garda review in the Working Group's Work Programme, which oversees a number of priority items for implementation in the context of the FCPS.

An Garda Síochána made a brief presentation on its summons service review process to the FCPS Working Group at its meeting on 5 July 2017. With the completion of the short- and medium-term goals relating to the review, the Garda authorities are currently re-evaluating the outcomes of the review to date in order to inform the long-term goals associated with the review. An Garda Síochána highlighted the notable improvement in the rate of summons service since it commenced its review in 2014, i.e. a 12% increase in summons service rates to 69% currently.

With the introduction of the third payment option on 1 June 2017, the operation of the associated provision relating to proof of postage in the context of third payment fixed charge notice/summons documentation (Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, as amended) will be closely monitored by An Garda Síochána over the coming months and it is hoped that this statutory provision will contribute to increasing compliance levels insofar as payment of fixed charge notice amounts and acknowledgement of summonses are concerned.