Statement by Ministers Frances Fitzgerald & Leo Varadkar

Minister for Justice & Equality Frances Fitzgerald and Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar held a constructive meeting with the PARC road safety group today to discuss a range of legislative and administrative issues in the broad area of road safety.

The two Departments are already working together through the Justice Working Group to improve the operation of the penalty points system.

The Ministers thanked the members of PARC for their valuable contribution to ongoing efforts to improve safety levels on the roads, particularly their voluntary efforts to raise awareness about road safety measures and their impact.

The Ministers confirmed at the meeting that formal proposals for the introduction of a Third Payment Option for road traffic offences will be brought to Government in July. When implemented, a Third Payment Option will also allow a number of other important road safety measures to be introduced.

Minister Fitzgerald said she will raise administrative issues concerning the recording of driving licences in the Courts with the Courts Service.

Both Ministers described the meeting as positive and constructive and are looking forward to further engagements with PARC.