asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a statement by the President of the Dublin University Biological Association who stated that the legal limit of alcohol in the blood should be halved and the drink driving laws enforced rigorously when he pointed out that 45 per cent of all male deaths between 15 and 24 years and one-third of all deaths below the age of 35 are due to traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drink Driving Laws.
23.
I have seen a press report of the statement referred to.
The present statutory blood alcohol limit for driving has been in operation for a little more than two years. Road accident and casualty levels have been contained and even reduced in that period. While I am at present reviewing the operation of existing legislation and it is my intention to bring before the House any amendments to that legislation which the Government may consider appropriate, I wish to make it clear that I am not committing myself to any suggestion such as that advanced in the Deputy's question.
Question No. 24 has gone for written reply.