Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Every European country has a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% except for Ireland and Britain, which both have limits of 0.08%.

Will the Minister consider a lower limit in respect of drivers on learner licences? The evidence clearly indicates that younger drivers with blood alcohol content of above 0.02% are more likely to be involved in accidents.

This side of the House would support reductions in blood alcohol levels. The road safety strategy originally set out a reduction to 0.05% but this provision was removed. The Department of Health and Children wrote to the Minister to express its belief that the 0.05% limit should be included in the strategy. All the information I have read, from Europe, America and elsewhere, states that driving capacity is reduced when blood alcohol levels exceed 0.02%, whereas there is no evidence anywhere that it is safe to drive with levels above 0.05%. It is not safe and therefore we should not be drinking and driving.

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