Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

-----provided there are not too many on the one stretch of road, or whatever. Flexibility in that area would be useful.

Regarding the plastic driving licences mentioned by a number of speakers, we have set 2012 as the date for their introduction. I want to see this happening more quickly and have asked the RSA to begin work on this matter. In addition, we are engaging with relevant stakeholders to try to advance the issue in the shortest timescale possible. I hope it will be done very quickly.

Deputy O'Dowd referred to the possibility of introducing rehabilitation schemes for certain road traffic offenders. That is provided for and the RSA is working with the Garda in County Donegal and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. When we have the results of that pilot scheme we shall certainly move the measure forward.

Many Deputies raised the issue of road conditions and the fact that they contribute to road accidents or deaths. The figure in question is 3%. However, it is obvious that the condition of roads deteriorated over the winter months and local authorities are now busy trying to restore them. We are assessing the information we have but our point of view is to ask local authorities to do the work, allowing them maximum flexibility and telling them to work within the budgets they have.

I accept the point Deputies make regarding alcohol limits, rural isolation and lack of rural transport. It is important that people in rural parts of Ireland have social contact and that they are able to go to a pub and have a drink. Nobody is saying they should not do so. All we say is that if they have two pints or consume other alcohol they should not drive home and put themselves or anybody else in danger. I note the points Deputies made in regard to the rural transport programme. Once this Bill is passed I am willing to engage with various stakeholders to see whether we can assist in some way but publicans and vintners must also make some contribution.

Again, I thank Members for their contributions. I look forward to a good Committee Stage debate and am willing to take on board any good suggestions.

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