Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I stated that in 2016, a total of 8,063 drivers were arrested for intoxicated driving. Of those, 617 were detected between 51 mg to 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, an increase of 50% compared to 2015. That is 617 people who did not lose their licence. I am not trying to be smart. There were 35 people killed between 2008 and 2012. There is 617 people who only got a fine. These 617 people should not be driving. I agree with the Minister, Deputy Ross, and I said this last week on my local radio station that there has to be zero tolerance. I was disappointed that Mr. Cribben stated on that programme that people could drink three or four pints and still drive the next day. I am a father with three children at home. The only way to stop people from driving the next day is a zero tolerance approach.

Mr. Cribben is talking about emotions. I am lucky that none of my family was ever maimed or killed by a drink driver but I have met many people who have come to my constituency office who have. I cannot believe some of the statements Mr. Cribben has made and I am glad that I am able to say to him face-to-face that I am disgusted by some of what I am hearing today. We all have emotions. Imagine having to tell someone his or her child has been killed on a motorway by a drink driver. How would Mr. Cribben fancy being the garda arriving at the door to tell that family what had happened? He is saying there has not been one death one death in respect of someone between 51 mg and 80 mg. I cannot believe some of the things that Mr. Cribben is coming out with. I am really disgusted with him.