Mixed reaction to drink-driving plan

PAMELA NEWENHAM

The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) today said it supported proposals by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey to reduce drivers’ maximum permitted blood/alcohol content from 80mg to 50mg per 100mls.

The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) today said it supported proposals by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey to reduce drivers’ maximum permitted blood/alcohol content from 80mg to 50mg per 100mls.

Minister Dempsey last night revealed a new penalty regime for drink-driving offences, in which mandatory breath testing would take place at the scene of all accidents.

He said the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for motorists would be reduced from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood, and to 20mg for inexperienced and professional drivers.

IIF chief executive Mike Kemp said “the Minister is right to value the safety of road users above vested interests and irresponsible drivers who want to continue drinking and driving, putting their own and others' lives at risk".

Even one drink impairs a person's ability to drive, and the scientific evidence from around the world confirms that the lower the drink-drive limit, the fewer alcohol-related fatalities and serious injuries occur, Mr. Kemp said, adding “virtually all other EU Member States have recognised this in implementing a limit of 50mg or lower, and there is no reason why Ireland should be different”.

Earlier today, Minister for Health Mary Harney said “I’d have to support the Minister for Transport in trying to reduce the fatality on our roads, there’s no doubt about that”.

In the Dáil this morning, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern had told local radio station, LMFM, that the situation in the Republic would have to be compatible with that in Northern Ireland.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said statistical data in the border areas shows an improvement in road safety figures where North-South co-ordination takes place.

Speaking to The Irish Times today, Cork North West TD Michael Moynihan said a lower drink driving limit would have a detrimental affect on isolated people living in rural Ireland.

“It’s a step too far for these people, it will add to their despair,” he said.

My Moynihan said is hadn’t been proved that most deaths take place between the alcohol level of 50mg and 80mg, adding “higher up the scale, it certainly does, according to research by the Road Safety Authority”.

Fianna Fáil backbenchers intervened angrily at last night’s parliamentary party meeting following Minister Dempsey’s presentation of his Road Traffic Bill which will lower drink-driving limits.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Mr Dempsey called for members to reflect on their positions at the end of the two-and-a-half-hour meeting. More than 20 contributors criticised the Cabinet-approved plan.