asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to the complaint of Mr. J. Moore, Chairman of the Motorists' Association, that his Association was not represented on the Commission set up to examine the question of tests for drivers under the influence of drugs or drink, inspite of the fact that this was the largest association of Irish motorists while a British association was represented; and if he will indicate his reasons for choosing a representative of a British association rather than an Irish one.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tests for Drivers: Irish Motorists' Representation on Commission.
67.
Representations were received from the Motorists' Association with a view to their being represented on the Commission in question, after it had been set up and had held its first meeting.
The constitution of the Commission was carefully considered before it was established. There are many bodies apart from the Association who could claim to be represented and a number did in fact seek representation. It was essential, however, to keep the membership of the Commission at a number which would not be unwieldy so as to enable it to work effectively. For this reason only three organisations were asked to nominate representatives to supplement the medical, legal, judicial, Garda and official representation. These bodies were chosen because they were representative of particular viewpoints on the matters to be considered and they included the two bodies of long standing as representative of the motoring community, the A.A. and the R.I.A.C. The third body is the Safety First Association of Ireland.
It is open to the Motorists' Association, as it is to every interested person or organisation, to submit evidence to the Commission and I would be very glad if they would do so.