Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will introduce reductions in the BAC level of drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39888/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recently gave its approval to the drafting of a road traffic and transport Bill, which inter alia deals with the legal blood alcohol content level for drivers. It is hoped to have the Bill published early next year. The introduction of a reduced blood alcohol content level for drivers will require the recalibration or replacement and subsequent recertification of the evidential breath testing, EBT, machines in Garda stations and roadside breathalysers used by the Garda. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which has responsibility for the approval, supply and testing of apparatus for indicating the presence and concentration of alcohol in breath, will arrange and carry out these functions.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I welcome what the Minister of State has said. It is important we keep to the timetable to reduce the blood alcohol content level which I understand is for the second half of 2009. I welcome the new legislation. One of the key points is that disparate views exist on how the reduction will impact on people. At a recent conference at Croke Park, Dr. Declan Bedford presented frightening research. He pointed out the risk of a fatal accident is four to ten times higher for drivers with blood alcohol levels between 50 mg and 79 mg compared to those with 0 mg. The proposed reduction is welcome. We have clear and incontrovertible proof that it is a major contributor to deaths and fatal accidents.

Some countries in Europe have introduced an alcohol lock for repeat drunk driver offenders. Does the Minister of State intend to introduce ancillary actions along with the reduction in the blood alcohol level?

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Deputy's comments. Experts state there is no safe blood alcohol level. Many people would disagree and state it depends on how one is affected by alcohol. The penalties we have mean the higher the blood alcohol content level with which one is caught the higher the fine or disqualification. This is the regulation at present. I am not sure I understand the point about a lock.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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When a repeat drink driving offender gets back his or her licence a lock is placed on the car whereby if he or she has had alcohol the car will not work.

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not think we will make announcements on that in the Bill. The penalties and convictions in court reflect alcohol levels and previous disqualifications.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Other issues are raised with regard to having a lower blood alcohol level for younger drivers rather than for the youngest cohort of drivers. Issues are also raised with regard to people who carry passengers for a living such as taxi drivers, bus drivers and commercial drivers of HGVs. Recent surveys done throughout Europe showed that a significant number of drivers of commercial vehicles had excessive blood alcohol levels. Are there any other safety issues in regard to alcohol abuse that the Minister of State intends to include in the legislation to which he referred?

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As I said, the heads of the Bill have been agreed by the Cabinet. There will be further discussion of the detail, but the advice from the Road Safety Authority is that the limit should be reduced to 50 milligrams for all drivers other than learner drivers, recently qualified drivers and professional drivers for whom it should be reduced to 20 milligrams. These issues are being considered and we await the final outcome.