Howlin: We will close penalty points loophole

The Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin says any loophole which leads to penalty points being quashed will be closed by the Government.

Brendan Howlin was speaking amid reports that the Transport Minister will brief his Cabinet colleagues this morning on an apparent flaw which could see thousands of points cancelled.

The loophole is understood to relate to the increased points for offences like using a phone while driving, and has been sought.

Minister Brendan Howlin says if such a loophole exists, it will be shut.

He said: "We've made enormous progress in making the roads safer, we need to do more.

"The Road Safety Authority has been an extraordinary, proactive agency of the State in the issue of road safety and preventing death and injury on the roads.

"Whatever the Minister for Transport requires to amend the road law to make it robust, will happen."