Half of drink-driving suspects escape court convictions

Department of Justice figures have reportedly revealed that almost half of motorists charged with drink-driving are escaping convictions in the courts.

Reports this morning said figures released to the Labour Party by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell showed that almost 38,000 people had been charged with drink-driving since the start of 2002.

However, just over 20,000 of these were convicted.

This morning's reports said Mr McDowell's figures also showed that one-fifth of people arrested on suspicion of drink-driving are never charged with any offence.

These statistics appear to back up claims from opposition TDs that many drink-drivers are escaping punishment by mounting successful challenges on the basis of legal technicalities.

The Labour Party has expressed concern about the figures and is reportedly vowing to raise them with Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy at his next appearance before the Oireachtas transport committee.