Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan has today announced a number of changes to the operation of the Fixed Charge Penalty System to make it easier for the general public to apply for cancellations and provide for stronger oversight of the operation of the system.
The changes are part of on-going changes being made following the Garda Inspectorate's report into the Fixed Charge Penalty System (FCPS).
The changes include:
- The publication on Garda.ie of a guide explaining how the Fixed Charge Penalty System cancellation process works
- Cancellation requests can now be made on a cancellation form, which is publicly available on the Garda website or through the Fixed Charge Processing Office, Thurles
- The centralisation of the authority to cancel Fixed Charge Penalty Notices at the Fixed Charge Processing Office in Thurles.
- Regular audits are undertaken in relation to the operation of FCPS.
- The publication of a revised internal manual outlining changes to internal policies and procedures in relation to FCPS
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald T.D. welcomed the announcements today, stating
"The measures announced today form part of ongoing work to implement the
Garda Inspectorate Report's recommendations and are designed to improve the operation and oversight of the fixed charge processing system. I look forward to continuing to work with the Commissioner, Minister Varadkar and all of the other relevant agencies on implementation of the Report's recommendations."
Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan said:
"These and other on-going changes of the Fixed Charged Penalty System demonstrate An Garda Síochána's commitment to improving the effectiveness and transparency of the process.
"We will continue to work with the Criminal Justice Working Group to examine how best to implement the short, medium and long term recommendations set out in the Inspectorate's report.
"As with all the stakeholders involved in the on-going development of the Fixed Charge Penalty System, An Garda Síochána's primary focus is in ensuring that the system continues its success in improving road safety and reducing road deaths."
