Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and compliment him on introducing this most important Bill. In his entire political career he has been innovative, entrepreneurial and different in his activities as Minister and I wish him the best of luck in his new career.

The Bill provides for the early introductin of mandatory alcohol testing at the scene of all road accidents and collisions where someone is injured. Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, with which I work on the issue of suicide, is appealing to every Member of the Seanad to save lives on the roads and support upcoming legislation which will allow for the early introduction of mandatory alcohol testing of all drivers involved in road collisions where someone is injured. Alcohol Action Ireland director, Ms Fiona Ryan, said:

Nine out of ten surviving drivers in fatal crashes are not tested for alcohol. The passing of the new Bill will allow for the mandatory testing of drivers involved in such collisions to be commenced immediately.

In 2006, the Government introduced random breath testing and in each succeeding year, the number of deaths on our roads fell. We now urge the Government to implement mandatory alcohol testing without delay.

Alcohol, even in small amounts, can and does impact on driving. This decision should be an easy one to make - voting in favour of this legislation is a vote to save lives.

Unlike the Leader, I am not a pioneer, but from my studies of preventing suicide and self-harm alcohol presents a more serious problem than the recession. I make that bold statement based on my experience. The economy will gather pace and improve - it is improving already - but we need to have a national conversation about the abuse of alcohol in our society.

Senator Quinn has referred to the archaic legislation that provides that people aged 63 years cannot get a ten-year licence without first getting a doctor's certificate to prove fitness to drive. All of the international evidence indicates that older people are safer drivers. I attended a seminar at Tallaght hospital on the issue. Older people know when their eyesight may be becoming a problem. Requiring people to go to the doctor to get a certificate can deter older people from applying for a driving licence.