Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Has he met the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, to see how it may be ensured that the Garda operates the law as it currently exists? I have never seen a checkpoint outside a licensed premises. Gardaí have the power to set up checkpoints anywhere they like tonight if they so wish. However, the Minister knows perfectly well there have been complaints from vintners and his publican friends. For that reason no clear direction has gone out from the Garda to enforce the law that exists. That is the nub of the problem. When is the Minister going to take action and stop making excuses, which leads to considerable numbers of people being killed on the roads as a result of drink driving?

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