Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 68 together.

The Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012, as approved by the Government in October 2007, identifies the need to legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal blood alcohol content, BAC, level for drivers, but does not specify what that level should be.

The advice of the Road Safety Authority, RSA, on the lower levels was received in April and was submitted to Government. The Government noted the recommendations of the RSA and decided the advice should be published and taken into account in the preparation of legislation under the road safety strategy. The general scheme of a Bill is being prepared in my Department.

Notwithstanding that the allocation of resources to the various programmes is a matter for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, the issue of funding for the Bureau for any one year is considered in the context of the overall funding and resources for my Department and its non-commercial state agencies for that year and any funding submissions received from those agencies. I have provided increased funding for the bureau's recent move to new premises in University College Dublin, Belfield and have also increased the bureau's staff allocation. The bureau has allocated a total of €6.42 million in 2007 and the estimates process for 2009 has not yet begun.

See this speech in context