Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not aware of the particular case referred to by the Deputy. I am not sure what element of the law is relevant to the case. The Deputy might point it out to me. We have a very large body of legislation relating to alcohol. There was a recent joint ministerial meeting on road safety. Clearly, the enforcement of legislation relating to drink driving has been centre stage. I am sure the Deputy is very conscious of the recent proposals to change the legislation. Enforcing the legislation is a priority for the gardaí. We are certainly making very big investments in terms of the resources and numbers of An Garda Síochána, including vehicles, all of which are relevant in terms of focusing on this. I have met with the senior Garda responsible for this area. It is a priority area for the coming year. Of course, we have all seen the dramatic rise in road deaths. It is a combination of drink driving, speed and use of mobile phones that has led to this rise. We must realise that we must repeat the messages for a new generation in terms of drink driving and the dreadful impact it has on people.

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