Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

The proposed amendment referred to learner and professional drivers, for whom there is a blood alcohol limit of 20 mg per 100 ml. For learner drivers, it is important that driving education is begun in the right way. The Minister has yet to introduce the graduated learner driver system, which we look forward to. It is important to have a good education so that a person remains a good driver throughout his or her life. In addition, professional drivers have a serious responsibility to their passengers. This is what inspired the amendment. However, the Minister made his argument to me on Committee Stage and it is reasonable enough.

With regard to the length of time the penalty points remain on a person's licence, the important thing is the 50 mg per 100 ml blood alcohol limit and the fact that penalty points are incurred for breaching this limit. It is a "one strike" system, which was felt necessary in order to change the culture. It is up to the Minister to introduce amendments. There has been intense lobbying around the House today by vintners, who are perhaps seeking to water the Bill down. This is not acceptable, given the fact that since 1960 we have lost 20,000 people through road deaths, and so many families have been damaged. As I have mentioned, the research clearly shows that alcohol was a factor in almost 40% of these collisions. It is the Government's duty to govern and to propose and it is the duty of the Opposition to respond. Is the Minister now proposing that it be three years instead of five years? Is it possible for the Minister to table an amendment now or must he wait until the Bill goes to the Seanad?

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