The Government is working on plans to directly link penalty points to a new register of licences.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says he is working with the Department of Justice on the new scheme - which is aimed at closing loopholes allowing dangerous drivers to avoid points.

“I’m now working with the minister for justice, France Fitzgerald, to look at other measures that will allow us to deal with behaviour that I believe is unacceptable in our courts and unacceptable in a country that is looking to make our roads safer,” he said.

The new system would link motorists' licences to their registration numbers for the first time - and would be open to the Courts Service, the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority.