asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons to date (a) convicted and (b) against whom prosecutions are pending, under the new breathanalyser law.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Breathanalyser Law Prosecutions.
15.
In respect of the period from 20 July 1978, when the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act came into operation, up to 27 April 1979, the figures requested are as follows: (a) Number of convictions, 1,206; (b) Number of persons against whom prosecutions are pending, 2,841.
May I make it clear that these figures relate to all categories of drinking-and-driving offences and include not only those arising from the use of the breathanalyser but also driving or attempting to drive or being in charge of a mechanically-propelled vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug? The Deputy may take it, however, that the great bulk of prosecutions would relate to cases where the breathanalyser was involved.