Sir, – The controversy on the penalty points system has more than a passing interest for me. I am a retired chief superintendent and I was the first head of the Garda National Traffic Policy Bureau. The actions taken then resulted in a major improvement in our road fatality statistics. This was achieved through interagency co-operation, political will, and most of all, public support.
After retiring I carried out an examination of the penalty points system for the Garda Ombudsman Commission, which was submitted to the Minister of Justice. This report examined and made recommendations on the matters of current controversy.
The current debate undermines the credibility of the successful enforcement and awareness action taken by the Garda Síochána which has been a major factor in improving our road safety record.
It also further undermines garda morale which is fragile enough today. It belittles the fine work, which has been done by the force.
Essentially we need a system that is fair, open and transparent and confusion- free. No we don’t have such a system now. There is no exemption for Dáil deputies and Deputy Ming’s explanation is derisory.
Discretion is a necessary element in such a system but discretion should be exercised in an open robust manner and this onus should not be placed on one individual, such as a local garda superintendent.
Obviously such discretion should be process-driven and open to public scrutiny. Well what should we do once and for all?
Simply publish on the web the key conditions which apply to all, including TDs. These questions have all been asked and answered in many other jurisdictions and frankly there is no mystery on their construction.
The success of our road safety campaigns depends on acceptance and support from the widest cross section of society.
Unfortunately some of the explanations made by individuals who allegedly benefited from “home town decisions” will be found to be self-serving, but frankly I think the real challenge is to learn the lessons and make the necessary reforms now. – Yours, etc,
JOHN O’BRIEN,
Dublin Street,
Balbriggan,
Co Dublin.