Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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132. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to prevent non-disabled persons parking in disabled parking bays given that the penalty point system does not seem to deter this from taking place; his plans to increase the deterrence for non-disabled persons parking in disabled parking bays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21087/22]

Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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155. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing penalty points for non-disabled persons parking in disabled parking spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 155 together.

In 2018, the fixed charge penalty for parking in a disabled space was substantially increased, to €150, to reflect the gravity and anti-social nature of the offence. This rises to €225 if it is not paid within 28 days. This is the highest fixed charged penalty for driving and parking offences.

Penalty points are applied for driving offences and the only exception is for dangerous parking, which is included as a penalty point offence because it affects moving traffic. Accordingly, I do not consider it appropriate that this offence be included in the penalty point system.

While I cannot condone the selfish and irresponsible practice of parking unlawfully in disabled bays, I believe that the current level of penalty is proportionate to the offence and I have no plans to increase it at this time.