Conway welcomes publication of PAC report on fixed charge processing system

Fine Gael Clare Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Disability, Martin Conway, has today (Friday) welcomed the publication of the PAC report on the Fixed Charge Processing System, and the commitment by the acting Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan to review the recommendations of the report.

“In its report the PAC found that systemic weaknesses in the Fixed Notice Charge System resulted in up to 20 percent of fines not being collected. Only half of the court summons issued to drivers are served by the Garda Síochána resulting in major evasion of fines.

“Having previously engaged with acting Garda Commissioner on the issue of penalty point system through my work on the Justice Committee, I fully support the recommendations of this comprehensive report by the PAC.

“In particular I welcome the recommendation that the Fixed Charge Processing Office of An Garda Síochána should report annually on the number of charges cancelled using discretion, the number of petitions received and the number of petitions rejected.

“Major reforms and improvements are underway within An Garda Síochána and I look forward to the recommendations of this report being implemented in early course.”