Vol. 417 No. 9
260 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends introducing statutory regulations to govern the use of mobile telephone units by drivers of motor vehicles while in control of a motor vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have no plans at present to make specific regulations governing the use of mobile telephones by drivers of motor vehicles. I am satisfied that the matter can be dealt with under the general requirement to drive with due care and attention contained in section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. An offence under that section carries a maximum fine of £350 or, at the discretion of the court, a prison term of up to three months or both.
Following a request by my Department, Bord Telecom now includes a prominent message —"Take Care: Don't Dial and Drive"— on each bill for mobile telephones. The next edition of the Rules of the Road booklet, which will be published in the near future, will advise drivers to stop at a safe location before making or receiving calls on hand-held telephones.
