Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will outline the progress to date in reducing the legal blood alcohol level to 0.5 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood; the introduction of compulsory testing of alcohol at road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29664/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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A road traffic Bill that, inter alia, provides for a reduction in the blood alcohol concentration levels for drivers is nearing completion. The preparation of legislation takes time and I am sure Deputies will agree that it is important to get it right.

The Bill will take account of the blood alcohol concentration levels proposed by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, last year. The implementation of the new levels, when the legislation has been enacted, will require the recalibration or replacement and subsequent recertification of both the roadside breathalysers and evidential breath testing machines in Garda stations. The Bill will also include provision for the mandatory testing for alcohol of drivers involved in road traffic collisions and provisions for field impairment testing, that is, non-technological methods by which gardaí can make a preliminary assessment about the possible presence of drugs. A number of amendments will be included to improve the effectiveness of the fixed charge and penalty points system.

As Deputies will be aware, we have seen a sustained reduction in the number of people killed on our roads. For example, 2008 saw the lowest number of road deaths on record at 279, despite the fact that, in the past decade, there has been a 40% increase in the number of drivers and a 70% increase in the number of vehicles on our roads. Fatalities in the year to this morning number 128, down 18 from the same date last year. It is important to maintain this momentum. As everyone knows, each fatality and serious injury is a tragedy for families, friends and communities. I am confident that the provisions in the road traffic Bill will contribute to significant further improvements in road safety.

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister's report. In 2005, there were 396 road deaths. Last year, the figure was 279, a decrease of 117. The RSA was established due to the outcry about the slaughter on the roads. Many initiatives have since been taken. I would push to the limit the education of young people.

The Minister knows of the considerable input provided by Mr. Michael Finnegan, a road safety officer in our county, in educating people on not drinking and driving. This is the bottom line. People should find a way to get to and from places without drinking and driving. Young people follow this message because they will not sit into a car being driven by someone who has been drinking.

The other issue is speed. Given the drastic number of sergeants leaving the Garda force, I am concerned that we will not be in a position to patrol roads. Nothing is more striking than the sight of a garda or a patrol car on the road. One will cut one's speed. The reduction in law enforcement numbers will affect everyone. In one station in Dublin, seven of nine sergeants have left.

We all know what must happen, but it has not yet come about. When will the Garda begin testing for drug driving?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The sooner the better. My most recent information in this regard is that, unlike the breathalyser and so on, there is no effective roadside test for drugs. However, drugs can show up in blood and urine samples, so there is some level of detection of drugs. Anecdotal evidence indicates an increasing number of people are being caught with drugs, but not necessarily alcohol, in their system. With a view to having roadside testing for drugs, we are involved with a high-level group at European level that is trying to develop a means of carrying out reliable roadside tests. The Australians are trying out systems at present and if they prove successful, we will consider them.

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In Australia, where roadside tests were carried out, it was discovered people are five times more likely to have drugs in their systems than alcohol. Addressing this problem is crucial. The Oxegen concert is taking place this weekend and it is essential that we avoid the carnage that occurred last year.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the Deputy and I join him in appealing to those going to the concert to drive safely.