An Garda Síochána takes any allegations of members not correctly implementing policies and procedures in relation to the Fixed Charge Penalty System (FCPS) very seriously. These allegations are currently being examined by senior management.
If any infringement of these policies and procedures is found to have taken place then action will be taken.
In addition, and in order to secure maximum openness and transparency, allegations were recently forwarded by Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan to the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Commissioner requested the Minister to consider referring them to the Garda Ombudsman Commission for an investigation in the public interest, using the powers available in that regard to the Minister. The Minister agreed to the request and referred the allegations to the Garda Ombudsman Commission, who will now independently examine them.
A number of changes to the operation of the FCPS that provided for stronger oversight of the operation of the system were introduced in June 2014. These changes were made following the Garda Inspectorate's report into the FCPS.
The changes included:
- The centralisation of the authority to cancel Fixed Charge Penalty Notices at the Fixed Charge Processing Office in Thurles.
- The publication of a revised internal manual outlining changes to internal policies and procedures in relation to FCPS
- Regular audits to be undertaken in relation to the operation of FCPS.
- The publication on Garda.ie of a guide for the public 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
As part of these changes, in recent weeks Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan ordered that an audit of the operation of the FCPS take place. This audit is currently being conducted by the Professional Standards Unit and Internal Audit.
An Garda Síochána is fully committed to improving the effectiveness and transparency of the penalty point system.
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.
In addition, An Garda Síochána welcomes the fact that implementation of the Garda Inspectorate recommendations will be subject to a full examination by the Garda Inspectorate within 12 months.
