Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is right that I am waiting for confirmation from the Road Safety Authority on the matter, which has been raised by a number of bodies. It is interesting technology. If a person needed to blow into an alcolock and if he or she were over the limit it would end many problems. There are difficulties with some of these systems regarding who maintains and monitors them. That issue remains to be resolved. It is also an issue at European level as I recounted earlier. The courts can also impose this condition. Close monitoring of offenders is also required under the system. Apart from the narrow issue, I want these wider issues considered to determine how it could be introduced here.

There may also be issues regarding the EU Single Market, which I mentioned earlier. I do not want to pretend that inability to take action in this area is because Ireland is a member of the European Union. Obviously inasmuch as it is possible we want to move forward in harmony. I would be interested in the totality of a system that might be devised here involving the courts etc. The Road Safety Authority is very interested in the idea and I will wait until it comes back to me. I know one of the younger members of the authority has some very positive views on the matter.

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