Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their opening statement. Ms Murdock has made the important point that the purpose of the Road Safety Authority is to reduce the number of deaths on the roads. As the delegates will be aware, the representatives of a number of lobby groups who appeared before the committee some weeks ago had a clear motive for opposing the proposed legislation. It is important to distinguish the role of the RSA from that of lobby groups in so far as they have different reasons for holding their views. Did the RSA initiate discussion of this matter with the Minister?

Ms Murdock referred to enforcement. Will she provide an update on the RSA's ongoing work with the Garda on enforcement?

Ms Murdock has noted that in 52 cases there was strong evidence on the file that the driver had consumed alcohol but specific toxicology results confirming the level were not available. What was the reason for this?

I am curious as to whether the RSA has evidence to show that suspending drivers would reduce the number of casualties in road traffic accidents. Is the suspension of drivers' licences the norm in other jurisdictions at the levels prescribed in the Bill or is Ireland the first country to propose this measure? What evidence is available in other jurisdictions to support the proposal?