There are just three fixed speed-detection cameras in operation in the State, according to figures released by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell.
They are part of the pilot programme in the Louth/Meath Garda division and the Dublin Metropolitan area and are rotated between 20 camera boxes.
The information emerged in a written parliamentary reply to Mr Denis Naughten, (FG Longford-Roscommon). Mr Naughten had asked about the number of fixed speed-cameras currently in operation in the State and their location.
The Minister's reply stated: "The Garda operate a range of modern speed detection equipment in the form of laser devices, radar devices, in-car and motorcycle detection cameras as well as mobile speed detection units, i.e. GATSOs. They are also operating a pilot programme currently involving three fixed speed-cameras rotated around 20 sites in the Louth/Meath Division and the Dublin Metropolitan Region."
The Fine Gael TD said this was a "shocking statistic" given the Government's promise five years ago to install them throughout the State. In a statement, he said that if there were only three speed-cameras, the Government could not enforce the penalty points system. It was another example of where "new laws, minus no enforcement, equals no law".
Meanwhile, figures released by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, show that while 1.8 million motorists have a full driving licence, nearly 125,000 are on their first provisional licence, while almost 55,000 are on their third provisional licence and almost 28,500 are on their fourth such licence. A total of 856 people are on their fifth or subsequent provisional driving licence.
Just over 52.1 per cent of applicants passed their driving test last year.
