Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

My point is that the report emphasised the effect of cannabis, and particularly alcohol, on driving. We ignore the authorities telling us the dangers involved in dangerous drug driving or drink driving. People ignore the potential punishment because they do not believe they will be caught. It is a common belief among people who are breaking the law in Ireland and it needs to be brought home to people that there is a good chance they will be caught if they drink drive or drug drive, particularly if they are involved in an accident.

The penalty points system has been worthwhile but we need to advance it. We need to ensure the introduction of legislation which develops a system whereby there may be mandatory drink testing at the scene of an accident because that is the only deterrent that will influence people.

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