Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

One of the most effective measures adopted in Luxembourg was the on-the-spot removal of driving licences for the most serious drink driving offences. Driving licences are taken from the person in question on the spot and Ireland should take that path. While I have a number of other proposals, I will leave them for now and will discuss the proposed amendment to the motion. Following discussions with the Minister, I understand he is prepared to make the final paragraph read as follows:

That Dáil Éireann notes that the Department of Transport proposes to engage with the Office of the Attorney General to establish how the current legislation can be amended to achieve roadside testing of drivers involved in accidents subject to overriding medical circumstances.

If the Minister is happy to make that change, I am happy for this side of the House to accept the motion, as amended. It means we will work together to bring forward what was the Fine Gael and PARC policy and is now the Minister's policy.

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