Enforcement against itinerant drivers
Barrett raised concerns about itinerants driving untaxed or uninsured vehicles, including vehicles not registered in Ireland, and urged Garda enforcement. The Minister invited specific information and cited rising convictions for uninsured use as a reason for the Government’s measures.
(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister aware of the number of road accidents involving itinerants driving motor vehicles that are not taxed or insured? Many of those vehicles are not registered in the State.
Comment on this
If the Deputy has any spesciou cific information in regard to this I will be happy to consider it.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West): The question was tabled for the Minister for Justice because I was aware of the number of such vehicles being driven by itinerants who are operating in a lucrative business involving the sale of colour televisions and videos. Will the Minister communicate with the Minister for Justice to see that the Gardaí enforce the law in this respect? Gardaí do not go to itinerant camps to check if the vehicles are taxed or the drivers insured.
Comment on this
It might help the Deputy if he got a breakdown of the figures involved. According to the Garda Commissioner's report on crime in 1980 there were convictions for uninsured use in 28,188 cases and that figure increased in 1982 to 37,428. The Deputy can see the reason for the Government response recently.