Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

A recent survey by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety showed that 70% of drivers stopped by the Garda because of erratic driving had taken drugs, prescription drugs in many cases. A public awareness campaign in conjunction with the medical profession to inform people about the impact of such drugs on driving behaviour is essential.

Section 5 amends the provision which allows for an application for the lifting of a disqualification before a ban has expired. It is almost automatic that drivers on whom a two-year ban is imposed will have their licences returned after only 12 months. What is the point in imposing a two-year ban if it is not enforced? This undermines the judge who imposes that sentence. A sentencing policy whereby the sentences imposed are immediately halved almost automatically is ineffective. The Bill provides that it must be proven in court that there are genuine exceptional circumstances before this can happen.

I leave it to my colleagues to expand on the other aspects of the Bill.

See this speech in context