Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:125 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to reduce the legal blood alcohol level for drivers on a learner permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3489/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 February 2008
Ceisteanna (42, 43)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:129 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to facilitate the graduated driver licence programme; the specific measures he will include in this system; if drivers holding this licence will be subject to a lower blood alcohol limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to takes Questions Nos. 125 and 129 together.
This issue of a setting a specific blood alcohol level for learner drivers was one of a number of proposals made to me in February last year by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), in the context of the introduction of a Scheme of Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL).
I took the decision at the time that the best and most practical approach was to introduce such any such Scheme on a basis of a progressive roll-out of appropriate measures. Deputies will recall the introduction of the first phase of the Scheme in relation to learner driver permits in October last year.
The current review of the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level for drivers generally, which is being carried out by the Advisory Panel of the RSA, changes the context in any case for the RSA's earlier proposal relating to learner drivers specifically. Consideration of this matter in isolation would not now be a sensible approach.
I am awaiting the advice of the RSA on reducing the current BAC, as envisaged in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012. I will take this and other relevant matters into account in the roll-out of subsequent phases of the Graduated Driving Licence Scheme.