Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

This is a serious issue. We have to address the issue of people who drive under the influence of drugs. In terms of the 50 mg blood-alcohol level, the provision in the Bill that allows a garda to form an opinion and carry out a preliminary test is vital. Alongside that measure, a road safety awareness and continuing education programme is needed. The Road Safety Authority does a wonderful job in raising road safety awareness. Its television campaign is graphic and is in one's face. The awareness campaign is broadcast on the radio and I urge that it be highlighted in clubs and in areas where people congregate. When one is having one's tea at 6 p.m. one might think of going for a drink but it is not the time when having a drink is uppermost on one's mind. It would be worthwhile to highlight the campaign in those areas. To quote the slogan used by another organisation, every little helps. We should persist with such awareness campaigns. The provisions of the Bill when implemented should be reassessed in a year or 18 months.

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