Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
775 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increased sanctions he is considering to tackle drink driving; if he intends to carry out an impact analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19931/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Action 119 of the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, work is under way to research and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative correction/rehabilitation programmes for a range of road traffic offences, with a particular emphasis on high risk re-offenders. This includes repeat drink-driving offenders.
My Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána have been engaged in discussions on this matter. The range of alternatives available includes requiring repeat offenders to take certain courses, to resit tests, or to have particular types of device fitted to their vehicles. Discussion has focused on the range of options, their feasibility in an Irish context and how they might work in practice. In addition, the RSA has engaged consultants to examine, in particular, the technological options for sentencing alternatives. That study is due to be completed by early May 2012.
There is general agreement on the need to explore new ways of tackling the problem of people who are repeatedly involved in road traffic offences. However, no decisions have yet been made on which measures would be most appropriate or would work best in an Irish context. Further discussion will be necessary between my Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, the RSA, the Courts Service, and An Garda Síochána in order to ensure that the most appropriate solutions are chosen. Implementation will necessarily involve changes to primary legislation, at which time a Regulatory Impact Analysis will be carried out.
