TD to tell how penalty points were cancelled
It was reported yesterday that the Roscommon TD was stopped by gardaí in Jun 2011 for driving while operating his mobile phone.
The offence carries a €60 fine and two penalty points.
The Sunday Independent claimed that the points were later invalidated and Mr Flanagan’s record expunged.
Mr Flanagan allegedly told gardaí that he was on Dáil business when he was stopped. Under Oireachtas rules, members who are travelling to and from the Dáil can be exempted from prosecution.
Mr Flanagan did not return calls yesterday. However, he tweeted: “Watch the Dáil at 6 on Tuesday. I will reveal how gardaí contacted me to ask would I like my penalty points wiped.”
Watch the Dail at 6 on Tuesday. I will reveal how Gardai contacted me to ask would I like my penalty points wiped. #wherearemypoints?
— Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) March 9, 2013
He also claimed that non-garda employees were able to call drivers to ask them if they wanted their penalty points wiped.
You'd be surprised to hear of the people who call you to offer to have points wiped. Not just Guards. Will tell all Tues #wherearemypoints
— Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) March 9, 2013
Sindo fails to mention that it was in fact Gardai who actually contacted me to have penalty points removed.All revealed&more in Dail tues.
— Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) March 10, 2013
However, Garda sources disputed Mr Flanagan’s claim last night.
“The standard procedure is that the person in receipt of a fine would have to make the approach themselves,” a Garda source said. “They would have to write to the superintendent.”
Mr Flanagan has raised in the Dáil the matter of gardaí wiping the driving records of high-profile figures.
A Garda report on the cancellation of penalty points is due to be finished and published shortly, according to Justice Minister Alan Shatter.
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