Penalty point report finds ‘consistent and widespread breaches’ of policy

The long-awaited report on the Garda administration of penalty points has been published by the Department of Justice.

Identifying “consistent and widespread breaches” of the fixed charge processing system, the report says there was no auditing of the cancellation process that would have identified problems.

“ With few exceptions, the Inspectorate found no meaningful evidence of consistent quality management supervision of the cancellation process either at Garda Headquarters, Regional, Divisional, District or any level that would have detected and rectified these problems,” the report says.

“This absence of effective management oversight also impinged upon other

parts of the routine operations of the FCPS,” the report added.

The report, titled The Fixed Charge Processing System - A 21st Century Strategy was published at 5pm after it was brought before Cabinet this afternoon.

Thirty-seven recommendations are outlined in the report and are divided into near-term and long-term strategies.

According to a statement issued this evening by the Garda Inspectorate, they provide “a progressive road map for the ultimate development of a modern fit for purpose efficient and effective FCPS.”

In May 2013, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter asked the Garda Inspectorate to carry out a full review of the Fixed Charge Processing System following allegations of irregularities in the operation of the fixed charge processing system

An action plan agreed with the Garda Commissioner for the implementation of the recommendations has been drawn up and agreed by Government.

Minister Shatter said tonight he welcomed the report.

"I particularly welcome the comprehensive approach taken by the Garda Inspectorate in identifying deficiencies in the Fixed Charge Processing System and I fully accept their finding that correction of inefficiencies in the system is not solely a matter for An Garda Síochána but requires a broad range of initiatives and legislative changes that is "entirely dependent on coordinated collaboration between the Department of Justice and Equality, the Garda Síochána, Road Safety Authority (RSA), Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Courts Service, An Post, and the various appointed contractors involved in the operation of the FCPS," Mr Shatter said in a statement.

In a statement issued this evening, Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, said he welcomed the publication of the report.

Speaking this evening at Garda Headquarters, Mr Callinan said:

“I welcome the publication today of the Garda Inspectorate’s 9th Report as part of its statutory role to assist and advise An Garda Síochána in the delivery of best standard policing services.

“As with all the stakeholders involved in the on-going development of the Fixed Charge Notice System, An Garda Síochána’s primary focus is in ensuring that the system continues its success in improving road safety and reducing road fatalities through the application of analysis and technology.

“In this regard, the Inspectorate’s report contains valuable feedback and advice on how the system can be enhanced over the short, medium and long-term,” he said.

“An Garda Síochána looks forward to making a significant contribution to the Working Group in its examination of how best to implement the Inspectorate’s recommendations,” he added

Mr Callanan raised the use of his recent appearance at the PAC.

“There is one other matter that I would like to address and which has been in the public domain for some time and which refers to the use of the term disgusting at my recent Public Accounts Committee appearance on the 23rd January 2014.

“ I want to clarify that my use of that term was not in reference to the character of either Sgt McCabe or former Garda Wilson, but the manner in which personal and sensitive data was inappropriately appearing in the public domain without regard to due process and fair procedures.”

“I stated at the PAC and re-iterate now my absolute support and commitment to any member of An Garda Síochána who reports wrongdoing of any kind.”

More to follow...