Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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87. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure for An Garda Síochána to validate the type of licence held by a driver involved in a fatal or serious collision in view of the fact that PULSE does not differentiate between full driver licences and learner permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15281/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the recording of all Road Traffic Collisions on PULSE requires the members to complete licence and insurance details for each driver. In relation to the licence details, PULSE provides for the recording of various licence types including Full; Learner (Accompanied); Learner (Unaccompanied) and Novice. Furthermore, the Driver Licence and Insurance Production (DLIP) facility also provides for the recording of the licence type presented. Both these methods are dependent on a visual inspection of the documents and the recording of same on PULSE.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that a pilot of PULSE access via mobile devices by 50 Garda members in the Limerick Division is currently underway which provides a facility for secure online lookup of driving license records from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to confirm if the license is current or disqualified. This pilot is planned to be reviewed for consideration for further rollout.

An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) sets out key strategic objectives for Road Policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána's Road Policing plans over the lifetime of the Programme. Under the Programme, the Commissioner will undertake a number of road safety traffic enforcement initiatives, including expanding the use of technology and increasing checkpoints. 

I am committed to continuing the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme and continued investment in fleet and Garda ICT infrastructure with a view to supporting the critical road traffic enforcement function performed by An Garda Síochána.