Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

My understanding was that members of the transport committee would review the road safety strategy in conjunction with those involved in delivering it, including myself, on a regular basis. I have no difficulty with that. One of the things about the road safety strategy is that it includes actions, implementation dates and so on. We should work on this together. There are difficult choices that must be made.

The road safety strategy went through various drafts. The current strategy is the one that was finalised and accepted by me. A 50 mg limit on blood alcohol may have been mentioned in earlier drafts, but the finalised draft was this one, which was agreed by everybody. I did not interfere in the matter of whether it would be 50 mg or 20 mg. I believe the limit should be reduced, as does the Government. The RSA wants a little more time to make a specific recommendation. I have no difficulty in going along with that. I have accepted the advice of the RSA on this issue as on many other issues. I cannot be accused of cherry-picking in this regard.

I will pursue the issue of uninsured drivers and penalty points, raised by Deputy O'Dowd. We are trying to obtain mutual recognition of disqualifications, points and so on, but I am concerned that this is not moving as fast as it should. I will report back to the House on this issue.

Tuition logbooks for learners were mentioned. I urge every Deputy to have a good look at one of the appendices of the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, which describes a graduated driving licensing system. There is a list of 17 measures associated with this system, some of which are along these lines. We will have to make choices about these measures over the next 12 to 15 months. This is also something we should do together in committee.

I acknowledge the constructive approach adopted by Deputies and I look forward to working together with them in delivering this strategy. It is extremely important for all of us.

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