Confusion reigns over TD's summonses

Confusion reigns as to why gardaí failed to serve summonses on Longford/Westmeath TD Robert Troy for motoring offences in Killucan and Mullingar in 2011 and 2012.

Last Thursday, it emerged that three summonses relating to three motoring offences allegedly committed by the Fianna Fáil deputy were not issued by the gardaí.

The motoring offences reportedly took place in June and August 2011 and March 2012. A source confirmed to the Westmeath Examiner that the offences occurred in Killucan and Mullingar.

This paper contacted Deputy Troy last Friday for a response and asked him if the claims were correct and if he or anyone he knew made representations to the gardaí regarding the offences.

He is issued the following statement: “The Minister for Justice is currently awaiting a report from the Garda Commissioner into issues concerning the application of penalty points.

"I welcome this process and look forward to the publication of the report. I currently have six points on my licence and if the gardaí believe that there any further outstanding cases then I will of course co-operate fully in this regard.”

On Monday Deputy Troy stated that he had paid any fixed point notices that he received.

When drivers receive fixed penalty notices for motoring violations which results in penalty points, they have 56 days to pay the fine and accept the points. If the points are not accepted during that period, a summons is issued.

When the Westmeath Examiner contacted the Garda Press Office for a response to the claims, a spokesman said it does not comment on individual cases.

Last month, we revealed that Deputy Troy had successfully appealed against having two penalty points imposed on his licence for using a mobile phone while driving in the centre of Mullingar.

When asked if he believed that his position had any bearing on the success of his appeal, he said that it was not for him to say.