Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2007
117 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if it is in his jurisdiction to bring into effect fixed penalty notices in relation to mandatory alcohol testing; if so, the reason section 5 of the Road Traffic Bill which provides for such notices has not yet been introduced; when it will become effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/07]
View answer145 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the failure to introduce fixed penalty notices under the mandatory alcohol regime as set out in the Road Traffic Act, 2006; when these will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6575/07]
View answer158 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport his position in relation to the introduction of an effective zero alcohol driving limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6579/07]
View answer253 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the failure to introduce fixed penalty notices under the mandatory alcohol regime as set out in the Road Traffic Act, 2006; when these will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6631/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 145, 158 and 253 together.
The Road Traffic Act 2006 was passed by the Oireachtas on 6th July 2006 and was signed by the President on 16th July 2006. A Commencement Order in July brought a number of the provisions in the Act into effect from Friday 21st July 2006.
The provisions commenced included the key policy provisions of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, and the legislative provision supporting the operation of privately operated speed cameras. These policy initiatives were commenced without delay, and approximately 30,000 Mandatory Alcohol Tests are being conducted by the Gardaí every month. In addition, Section 16 of the Act was part-commenced with effect from 1 September 2006 in order to enable penalty points to apply to the offence of driving while holding a mobile phone. The question of reducing the existing 80mg limit will be kept under review.
Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for the introduction of a fixed charge and disqualification for certain drink driving offences. The implementation of that section requires administrative and enforcement preparations, including adjustments to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing and IT systems and the testing of those systems. Work is progressing on these matters and my officials are liaising with their counterparts in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Gardaí to complete their work as soon as possible.
