Dempsey: I’d prefer tougher sanctions

By Paul O’Brien, Political Correspondent

Thursday, November 05, 2009

TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey admits he would have preferred to introduce tougher sanctions for those who break the proposed new drink-drive limit.

Legislation is expected to be passed by next summer that will reduce the limit for experienced drivers from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

But a number of Fianna Fáil backbenchers threatened to revolt if Mr Dempsey imposed driving bans on those who breached the new limit.

As a result, he watered down the proposed sanctions, and first-time offenders will instead get three penalty points and a €200 fine.

Speaking in Dublin yesterday, Mr Dempsey admitted he would have preferred to impose tougher sanctions.

"I’d prefer if it were six points, I’d prefer if it were disqualification — I’ve no hesitation in saying that," Mr Dempsey said.

"But the case was made that it is going to be much more difficult for people to know whether they’re over a limit or not in the initial stages of the introduction of the 50[mg limit], and they should get one chance.

"And a reasonable case was made that three points is a chance, it’s a yellow card. But after that, it’s a red card and there’s no mercy shown."

He insisted the most important issue was reducing the limit, as the scientific evidence overwhelmingly proved this would save lives.

"So yes, I’d like to have seen more severe penalties, but I think the greater aim and the greater good is being achieved by reducing the limit from 80 to 50," he said.

Mr Dempsey said the utmost caution would be taken when recalibrating breathalyser machines for the new limit because of the high number of court challenges to convictions.

"The road traffic legislation in regulation to intoxication is the most litigated legislation that we have on our books," he said. "Everything is challenged, right up to the Supreme Court in one particular case."

Meanwhile, Mr Dempsey confirmed Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae’s deal with the Taoiseach would be unaffected even if he voted against the legislation.

Under the deal, the Government is thought to be funding various projects in Mr Healy-Rae’s constituency in return for his support in the Dáil. But Mr Healy-Rae has threatened to vote against the road safety bill, as he opposes the lowering of the limit.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, November 05, 2009