John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I compliment Deputy O'Dowd on this important motion, which I support, and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate.

Research by the Road Safety Authority on alcohol related road fatalities in 2003 showed that many surviving drivers were untested. The survey suggests that alcohol was a factor in at least 34% of fatal accidents. Given that many drivers have not been tested, the true figure for serious road accidents could be significantly higher. The testing currently carried out does not take into account drug abuse, which is an important factor that could add further to the statistics. As one who has witnessed the pain and distress caused by the consequences of death and serious injury directly related to alcohol impaired driving, I understand the sense of frustration felt by those who campaigned for the introduction of compulsory alcohol testing for drivers involved in accidents.

The Government's climb-down on this crucial issue is a welcome victory for families and campaigners who have lost loved ones to road deaths. I pay tribute to the Public Against Road Carnage group and the family members involved in that group, including the Leonard and McSharry families in my constituency who have argued passionately for the introduction of this measure. They have succeeded in that regard.

The absence of this safe driving enforcement measure meant that some people's decision to drink and drive was not tested. The Taoiseach recognised the anger and distress this has caused when in April he made a written promise to introduce compulsory drink and drug testing for drivers involved in accidents causing injury. From a Fine Gael perspective, it is a matter of some satisfaction that as result of our motion, the Government has decided to honour the Taoiseach's commitment to introduce this measure. I say to the Minister for Transport that making a U-turn on a busy road is risky. We have stopped the traffic, however, so the Minister can safely make his standard three point turn and join the traffic flow heading in the right direction.

The deterrent effect of the legal guarantee of a compulsory alcohol test for those involved in accidents will go some way to reducing the carnage on our roads. The results from this testing will help to ensure a measure of justice for those who lose loved ones as a result of the irresponsible behaviour of alcohol-impaired drivers. I see no obstacle to the legal situation providing for compulsory drink and drug testing for drivers involved in accidents causing injury, especially if a death has occurred, while still permitting gardaí a degree of discretion in the practical enforcement of the provision. I cannot see any reason this change cannot be introduced before Christmas, the worst time of the year for alcohol-impaired driving.

Road safety and the reduction of death and serious injury on our roads are important and I call on the Minister for Transport to introduce legislation as quickly as possible. This week it was said this may take six months but emergency legislation has been rushed in overnight in cases where there was a financial consequence for the Exchequer. It is disappointing that the Minister has indicated it will take 24 weeks to introduce this essential legislation and that it will not give any discretion to the gardaí.

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