Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 March 2025
25. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will supply a breakdown of the number of drivers disqualified in court each year from 2020 to 2024; the number of those drivers who surrendered their licence to the Road Safety Authority’s national driver licence service PO box to have the conviction of disqualification endorsed on their driving licence record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14628/25]
View answerThe table below detail the number of court disqualifications notified to the Department in each of the years 2020-2024 and the details of those licences that were surrendered.
A notification of disqualification is issued by the Courts Service for drivers convicted of a court disqualification, the notification includes the requirement to surrender the driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority within 14 days of commencement of disqualification.
It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware of the Court's decision and the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether or not a licence has been surrendered.
|
Years |
Driver Disqualifications and Surrenders 2020-2024 |
|
|
Disqualifications |
Surrenders |
|
|
2020 |
7,133 |
631 |
|
2021 |
8,503 |
634 |
|
2022 |
7,836 |
592 |
|
2023 |
8,996 |
763 |
|
2024 |
7,814 |
580 |
