FF backbenchers criticise plan for lower drink-driving limits

FIANNA FÁIL backbenchers intervened angrily at last night’s parliamentary party meeting following Minister for Transport Noel 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.

Mr Dempsey revealed a new penalty regime for drink-driving offences and said mandatory breath testing would take place at the scene of all accidents. He also 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.

Mr Dempsey presented a slideshow titled “The case for making Irish roads safer”, but Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath said he and others did not find it convincing.

“The overwhelming majority bar one, maybe two at most, was in support of keeping the status quo. There’ll be a period of reflection for a week or two and we expect results,” Mr McGrath said.

Cork North West deputy Michael Moynihan said: “Twenty-two members spoke very passionately about their concerns about lowering the limit. I believe the Minister has to look at it very, very carefully,” he said.

Some of those who attended the meeting said Cavan-Monaghan TD Dr Rory O’Hanlon was the only member to speak in support of the Minister, along with Dublin North TD Michael Kennedy to a lesser extent, who said he had an open mind on the issue.

Seán Connick of Wexford stressed that Mr Dempsey remained firm in his position at the end of the meeting. “The outcome of the meeting was people were asked to go and reflect on their positions . . . It is about saving lives. That’s exactly what the Minister said,” Mr Connick said. Another backbencher, who did not want to be named, said: “People were very angry, upset, one on the issue but also because Dempsey has backed himself into a corner, people feel on purpose,” the backbencher added.

Under the new regime drivers with a BAC of between 50 and 80mg will receive six penalty points and a €200 fine on a first offence, if they do not challenge in court.

Those with BAC of between 80 and 100mg will be disqualified for six months and receive a €400 fine if they do not challenge.

Learners, recently-qualified and professional drivers found to have a BAC of between 20 and 80mg will be disqualified for three months and receive a €200 fine. In the event of a court appearance and conviction, drivers found with BACs of less than 80mg will be disqualified for six months for a first offence and for one year on a subsequent offence.