Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very disappointing and regrettable that 188 deaths occurred in 2016. That represents an increase of 26 on the number for 2015. Like the Minister, I believe in zero tolerance when it comes to drink-related driving.

I have one or two questions. I am looking at this matter from the perspective of being a Senator - formerly Deputy - from a rural area. People who live in Dublin use public transport. They can use apps such as Hailo and Uber and there are numerous taxis in operation. The Minister represents a Dublin constituency. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever for drink driving in cities. There is also no reason whatsoever for drink driving in rural areas. However, there are exceptional cases in rural areas. People - publicans and others - in the rural area in which I live would say that this has gone too far. I am on the Minister's side but how would he sum it up?

What is being done about drug-driving? I am convinced that drug-driving is a huge issue. I know the Garda is working on this matter. Has there been an increase in drug driving? This a huge issue and the Minister has the figures relating to it. As a former rural Deputy who is now a Senator, I am aware that people who live in rural areas will say to me that what is proposed is anti-rural in nature. I know it is about saving lives and addressing this matter in a way that means lives will be saved. That to which I refer will be put to the Minister in the coming weeks. Does he have an answer in respect of it?