Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding disqualified drivers returning their licences to the Road Safety Authority’s post office box in Cork in view of the fact that figures from the RSA revealed that 98% of disqualified drivers are not surrendering their licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42061/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sure that the Deputy will agree with me that the key issue with disqualified drivers is that they should not drive while disqualified. 

The figure the Deputy quotes is of course a matter of concern, and I have asked the Road Safety Authority to look into it.  However, I do not believe that the non-return of licences, unacceptable and illegal though it is, is a central issue.  It certainly cannot be interpreted as a proxy figure for numbers driving while disqualified.  People could return their licences but still drive while disqualified, and people might retain the physical licence but not drive.

Enforcement of the law on driver disqualification is a matter for An Garda Síochána.  In the past the tools available in the law to address this matter may have been inadequate.  However, the Road Traffic Act 2014 introduced a new power of arrest where a member of An Garda Síochána forms the opinion that a person is driving while disqualified.  This is an important tool in addressing those who persist in driving in spite of disqualification.