Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
145. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow An Garda Síochána gain instant access to the national driver file database at the roadside, for real-time information on the status of a licence or learner permit and disqualifications; the proposed date for the Minister to give this access to gardaí as requested; the reason for the delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/24]
View answerMy Department currently engages in extensive data sharing with An Garda Síochána. We share a vehicle file twice weekly containing information to populate the PULSE system. This includes details on vehicle ownership and insurance. On a weekly basis we share a driver file with driver number, driver name and address details, driver status, driver sex, driver date of birth and driver disqualification details. On a daily basis we share a file containing a full update of all vehicles with expired NCT or CVRT (for defined period of time) and a file containing a full update of all vehicles with expired motor tax (for defined period of time) which are used for Garda ANPR systems. We also share vehicle registration numbers and vehicle data with An Garda Síochána to support the speed camera van service.
This data sharing is vital for the operation of roads policing and allows for the detection of untaxed vehicles and vehicles with expired or no NCT/CVRT by ANPR devices as well as populating the PULSE system with driver and vehicle data. These data sources are also made available to front line members through the Garda Mobility App.
Furthermore my Department is working closely with An Garda Síochána to enhance the existing data exchanges to provide real-time access to the national driver file database (NVDF) at the roadside. We are working through the data governance issues with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána. To facilitate this increased exchange of data and exchanges with other parties, my Department has drafted the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2024 to strengthen the legislation in this regard. The NVDF Bill 2024 will be brought to Cabinet before the summer recess. Once these data governance issues are in order, real-time access can to the NVDF can be granted which will enhance the existing extensive data sharing procedures.
