Minster for Transport Leo Varadkar said he is very concerned about allegations regarding unwarranted termination of tens of thousands of penalty points around the country.
Mr Varadkar said the allegations will be investigated and reports have been issued to the Garda Commissioner, Department of Justice and to the Garda Ombudsman Commissioner.
“It’s important that the public have confidence in the penalty point system. We can’t be in a position whereby people can get out of penalty points because they know someone,” he said.
“They are allegations so they do need to be investigated.”
Mr Varadkar added there are times where penalty points can legitimately be cancelled, but added that system was abused in some parts of the country.
The Minister said he does not think those involved in penalty point termination should be named until it is properly investigated.
Independent TD Clare Daly said the actions of a number of gardaí were leading to innocent gardaí being victimised.
“This is a matter of national interest. Honest gardaí are being victimised because they have uncovered the systematic abuse of motoring charges and terminations to those of some very powerful and influential people in the State, including members of the Judiciary,” she said.
Penalty points were developed in 2002 and now cover a total of 48 offences.
