Road Traffic Offences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2013

Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Ceisteanna (210)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

210. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the different blood-alcohol levels and concentrations for drinking under the influence of alcohol in Ireland that are provided for in the Road Traffic Acts, that is policed by An Garda Síochána, as a measure to reduce fatalities and improve safety on our roads; the differences for public service vehicle drivers and normal drivers of vehicles; the measurements and limits that are in place when a person driving a private vehicle who is stopped at an authorised mandatory alcohol testing checkpoint and does not have a driving licence on their person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33748/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that road traffic legislation, including the relevant provisions for the prohibition of driving while under the influence of an intoxicant or of exceeding alcohol limits, is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. All members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of relevant legislation, including the Road Traffic and Road Transport Acts. As part of this enforcement policy members of An Garda Síochána carry out planned and ‘ad hoc’ checkpoints as required, including mandatory alcohol testing (MAT) checkpoints. I am informed that this policy will continue with the overall objective of reducing the number of drink driving incidents and reducing the number of fatal and serious injuries on our roads.