Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
596. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the measures required to commence section 12 of the Road Traffic Act 2014; and if he will indicate a timeline of when it is expected that the provision will be commenced. [27921/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 12 of the Road Traffic Act 2014 relates to the taking of a specimen of blood, in hospital, from an incapacitated driver following a road collision in which injury occurred. It is my intention to commence the relevant section of the Act as soon as possible.
The principal requirement before this section can be implemented is for procedural guidelines to be prepared for members of the medical profession and An Garda Síochána. This task is being undertaken by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. I understand that the Guidelines are now essentially complete.
However, section 12 is also linked to sections 11 and 13. Section 13 provides for consequential disqualifications for offences under sections 11 and 12. It will therefore be necessary to commence all three sections simultaneously.
Section 11 relates to intoxication impairment testing. My officials are liaising with An Garda Síochána on the timetabling of the implementation of this section. Regulations are also being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Draftsman in relation to this provision. While it is likely that the necessary arrangements for Section 12 will be in place very shortly, commencement must await finalisation of the preparations for Section 11. The target date for this is September.
