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

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says he's 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 says the plans are being worked out across Government departments.