Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

We have an excellent partnership in Tallaght between the Garda and the community, of which I am very proud and I am pleased the Commissioner acknowledged my remarks in this regard. I suggested to the Chief Constable that this was a matter he should consider.

I refer to one point in respect of the Road Traffic Bill 2009. A recurring issue frequently mentioned across the floor and in committee meetings relates to the fact that people can cross the Border between the two parts of the island. There are difficulties in enforcing road traffic law and regulations. We should continue to examine this matter. There is excellent co-operation between the Garda and PSNI and between politicians on both sides of the Border. On the few occasions I have been to the North recently, I noted a seamless divide. It is no longer clear where the Border is. These issues will increasingly come into focus.

Members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly are anxious, as I am, to find a new agenda for that body. When it was founded 20 years ago, the northern part of our island was completely different and there were many challenges. Times were difficult in the years immediately after its foundation. The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly must reinvent itself to some extent and find issues to address. Road safety is certainly an issue on which its members could have much debate. It is relevant to this Bill.

The Road Traffic Bill was published last October. In line with the decision of the Government, the legislation aims to advance the road safety agenda by amending the law on driving while intoxicated. The primary amendment will be to reduce the blood alcohol limit. This will not only reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads but will also reduce the incidence of collisions and the cost to the State. The Bill is arranged in eight parts.

I do not drive my car every day and try to use the Luas and Dublin Bus as much as possible. On a number of occasions when I was driving, I was stopped at a Garda checkpoint. A little while ago I was stopped for a routine check by a garda. As she approached, she said, "Oh, good God, I didn't realise it was you". I told her I am no different from anybody else and told her to do her job on the basis that I fully supported what she was attempting to do. She tested me and I said that, because of the very sad life I lead, I would not be over the limit. I only drink 7UP, the price of which is a disgrace, not only in Tallaght but also everywhere else. I told the garda I would not be over the limit and this proved true.

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