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

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

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.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said that the plans are being worked out across Government departments.