The North’s DUP environment minister Edwin Poots has said new drink-driving limits could be in place in Northern Ireland in the early part of next year.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Irelandthis morning, Mr Poots said "I think we're only months away from making a decision," adding that they would coordinate with colleagues south of the border on the matter.
Mr Poots said “the Republic of Ireland, the UK and Malta have the highest drink-driving limits in Europe and that’s where the real controversy lies”.
“One needs to remember that if you’re driving at 80mg, that’s the highest rate you can, you’re six times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash,” he added.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has insisted his plan to lower the drink-driving limit would be implemented.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen told the Dáil yesterday that the measure might best be introduced in co-ordination with a similar change in the North, a comment which was interpreted as a “kicking to touch” of the issue by some backbenchers.
This interpretation was rejected by Mr Dempsey.
"If there's people saying that's kicking to touch, that's nonsense," the Minister told The Irish Times. "The Bill is due for publication in this session, drafting is being finalised."
Kerry South TD Jackie Healy Rae has said he will vote against the Government on drink-driving legislation.
"I was going to vote against this even if the Government came down tomorrow," he told the Kerryman."It's the poor fella that calls in for a pint and a half on the way home from the likes of Castleisland or Kenmare Mart, that's who I'm looking out for."
On Tuesday night, Mr Cowen and Mr Dempsey called on backbenchers to reflect on their positions at the end of a heated parliamentary party meeting. More than 20 speakers criticised the Cabinet-approved plan which would see the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for motorists reduced from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood.
Rural deputies were not the only ones to criticise the proposals. Dublin South East TD Chris Andrews said: “I said, for the last three weeks the Minister negotiated the Programme for Government. Individual members of the Green Party, some of whom weren’t elected, have been consulted. On the other hand if you’re a Fianna Fáil backbencher you get dumped on. Our loyalty is being used against us as backbenchers.”
Observers said there was a “passionate” intervention from Carlow-Kilkenny’s Bobby Aylward. Among the last speakers were Dublin North East deputy Michael Woods and Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath. Other TDs who intervened, according to a number of those at the meeting, were Beverley Flynn, Christy O’Sullivan, Brendan Keneally, Tom Kitt, Noel Tracey, Noel Ahern, Michael Kitt, Michael Mulcahy, Maire Hoctor, Michael Fitzpatrick, Ned O’Keeffe and Niall Blaney. A number of Senators spoke, including Denis O’Donovan and Lisa McDonald, observers said.
The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) yesterday said it supported proposals by Mr Dempsey to reduce drivers’ maximum permitted blood/alcohol content from 80mg to 50mg per 100mls.
"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," IIF chief executive Mike Kemp said.
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. "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," he added.