John Gormley
Question:754 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport his plans to lower the blood alcohol limit for provisional drivers to zero; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2124/03]
Written Answers. - Driving Licences.
Policy in relation to drink driving was set out in the Government's road safety strategy 1998 to 2002. That strategy provided for the continued application of the current blood alcohol level of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood based on the prioritisation of enforcement measures.
The Government is committed to the develop ment of a new road safety strategy that will apply for the next three years. The new strategy, which is being prepared by the high level group on road safety, will give consideration to the best approach to future policy in relation to drink driving including future policy relating to the maximum allowable blood alcohol level.
Denis Naughten
Question:755 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason, when applying for a driving test, applicants are asked the renewal date of the provisional licence; the reason applicants are not called for their driving test before the expiry date of their provisional licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27038/02]
The information sought in relation to the expiry date of a provisional licence on the driving test application form enables my Department, where possible, to prioritise the application for a test appointment.
Arising from the fact that some applicants do not apply until close to or after the provisional licence expiry date and the recent increase in applications it is not always possible to schedule an early test date. In such cases my Department will facilitate the applicant by issuing an advance appointment date so that the applicant can renew their provisional licence.