Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his kind words. Before I respond to his question, I offer my condolences to the families who have been affected by tragic deaths on the roads, specifically the family who were affected so tragically that they have dedicated their grief to doing all they can to ensure a similar fate does not befall other families. I acknowledge the grief and loss that lie behind the campaign to which the Deputy referred.

This is a matter I take extremely seriously. The key to reducing the tragic loss of life and serious injuries on the roads is to continue to change driver behaviour. To date this year, 135 fatal collisions have been recorded, resulting in 140 fatalities.  While the number of collisions is down by five compared to this date last year and the number of fatalities is down by four, considerable work remains to be done to further reduce the number of fatalities on the roads and we can all play our part in achieving this aim.  Huge strides have been made in legislation in dealing with drink driving offences.  The introduction of mandatory alcohol testing has been a very effective intervention to improve road safety.  We have also introduced a reduction in the blood alcohol content level for drivers and all drivers involved in road traffic collisions where a serious injury has occurred are now obliged to provide a preliminary breath specimen.  

The proposal to automatically suspend the licence of a driver involved in a fatal accident who subsequently fails a breathalyser test in advance of a conviction in court cannot be implemented, given the rights of citizens to a fair hearing in accordance with the principles of natural justice. My Department and I are willing, however, to meet the families who have been affected by this horrific incident to hear their proposals in more detail and discuss their concerns. I recognise the legitimacy and the grief that are driving the issues the Deputy raised.

See this speech in context