Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

While there are variations in the amount deducted, this is well established in our laws. I mentioned to the Deputy during the previous debate cases such as Director of Public Prosecutions v. Syron, Director of Public Prosecutions v. Curry, and Ashley McGonnell, Oliver Quinlan and John Purcell v. Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions, which are extensive judgments and have stood up to all challenges. Thus, there is a strong basis for the system.

Other European countries have made similar allowances. The principle is the same, although the amount deducted may not be the same for a variety of reasons. In the Netherlands the allowance is of the order of 20% for 36 mg per 100 ml. There are also allowances in Sweden and the UK. We did discuss this extensively and there is absolute certainty, from our point of view, in this course of action. It will stand up to court challenges. For that reason I ask the Deputy to withdraw the amendment.

See this speech in context