Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

627. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of penalty points issued to learner drivers that were detected by Gardaí, by county, for driving a vehicle without being accompanied by a full licence holder in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [33849/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Road traffic legislation, which is under the remit of the Department of Transport, specifies that an unaccompanied learner driver can receive both a fine and penalty points. This is provided for by section 35A(3) of the Road Traffic Act 2016. The Road Safety Authority outlines that learner permit holders detected driving unaccompanied by a qualified person may receive a Fixed Charge Notice and a fine of €160 along with two penalty points. If determined by a court, four penalty points may be issued.

The table below has been provided to me by the Garda Authorities and outlines the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for unaccompanied learner drivers in 2023-2025.

An Garda Síochána has further advised that they are not in a position to report on accurate totals of penalty points issued, as penalty points can be issued in a judgment of a relevant Court on conviction for an offence.

The management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.

As Minister I have no role in these matters. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.