Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 identifies the need to legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal blood alcohol level content for drivers, but it does not specify what the level should be. I am awaiting the advice of the Road Safety Authority on the matter. I am aware that the authority has sought the advice of its policy advisory panel and expects that recommendations will be made to its board in early 2008.

The advisory panel, details of which are published in the road safety strategy, was independently established by the Road Safety Authority. The panel will take into account known driver behaviour, past offending rates, analysis of Medical Bureau of Road Safety data, enforcement practicality and best international practice. Its advice on the most appropriate blood alcohol content level will be aimed at delivering the optimum road safety dividend. The target completion date in the strategy for the reduction in the legal blood alcohol content level is the second quarter of 2009, to allow for the enactment of legislation and the adaptation of enforcement technology. As I mentioned at the launch of the new strategy, I intend to complete the implementation of this measure earlier than 2009, if possible.

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