The Garda Commissioner says any non-enforcement of penalty points will not be tolerated in the force.

Martin Callinan has already appointed Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahoney to examine allegations about the cancellation of road traffic penalties.

Speaking at Garda Headquarters the Commissioner says he is determined that the commitment of the gardai to effective enforcement of traffic laws will be absolute.

"There is no question of what has been described as a culture of non-enforcement of penalties being tolerated by An Garda Síochána" he said.

"In fact, effective enforcement by members of the Force, along with the efforts of others, has contributed to a dramatic decline in the number of road deaths and injuries".

Issues "pursued fully"

He is also seeking to reassure the public adding that "the investigation into the allegations which have been made will be comprehensive and rigorous, whatever the circumstances behind them".  

He continues "If issues emerge as to how some individual cases were dealt with, these will be pursued fully.  Equally, if any lessons can be learned from the examination when it is complete, these will be taken on board".

Mr Callinan says the allegations generally appear to be based solely on an examination of PULSE records. 

He says this means that - in other words - allegations of impropriety are made without it being clear how the person making them would have complete knowledge as to what led to decisions being taken in particular cases.

He believes that in those circumstances "it is very unfair both to members of the Force, and to the people who were the subject of the notices, to assert wrongdoing in the absence of a determination of the full facts" and that "this danger has been highlighted during the course of the examination which is taking place".

He concludes to say that "one fact should be clear: An Garda Síochána is determined to enforce fully Road Traffic legislation so as to make our roads safer for all".