Politics

No free vote for Fine Gael TDs on contentious drink-driving Bill

Measures will see an automatic ban for anybody caught over the legal limit

Minister for Transport Shane Ross, who has proposed the Bill. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Sarah Bardon
Wed Oct 18 2017 - 21:53

Fine Gael TDs will not have a free vote on controversial drink-driving legislation despite many of the members criticising the proposals.

The party decided at a private parliamentary meeting on Wednesday night to support the Bill, proposed by Minister for Transport Shane Ross.

In his opening address to the meeting, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stressed the need to stay united on the measures, which will see an automatic ban introduced for any person caught over the legal limit.

Mr Varadkar accepted Fine Gael members may have a number of concerns about the effect of the Bill but urged the party to support it.

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Twenty-four contributions were made from individual TDs and Senators raising issues about the legislation, including concerns regarding rural isolation and social inclusion.

Chairman of the Fine Gael parliamentary party Martin Heydon told the meeting he had met Mr Ross to discuss the matter and would seek a further meeting to ensure all their concerns were addressed.

It was agreed that the party would vote in favour of the legislation, which is due to be debated in the Dáil next week.

A number of Fine Gael TDs – including Hildegarde Naughton, Peter Burke and Pat Deering – had previously spoken against the measures and sought not to have a whip imposed on them.

Correcting ‘anomaly’

The Bill sets out to correct an “anomaly” in the 2010 Act. Until now, those detected with 50mg-80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood did not get a disqualification, but received three penalty points and a fine of €200.

The Bill proposes to remove the penalty points option in these cases. All drivers detected driving over the limit will receive a disqualification of three months’ duration if the level of alcohol is 50mg-80mg.

Fianna Fáil will not support the Bill. It believes the current measures should be strengthened and stronger penalties of five penalty points and a €500 fine should be enforced.

Mr Ross's colleague in the Independent Alliance, Sean Canney, also confirmed he will vote against the legislation.

The Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting also discussed the prospect of future free votes on legislation.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance Patrick O'Donovan said the party should not adopt such a principle.

However, Government chief whip Joe McHugh and Senator Paul Coghlan spoke in favour of allowing free votes on some matters.

Mr Varadkar did not express an opinion, it is understood.

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