John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak briefly on this Bill, which I support. I am a member of the Joint Committee on Transport and I listened to all this debate at pre-legislative stage as well. I listened to some of the circus that took place in the Lower House in the past few weeks. I very much support the Bill. I would have started out by asking if there is need to change the law in this area but have listened to the debate and informed myself. Having listened to the families affected and their campaign, I congratulate them on the way they made themselves heard. When one looks in from outside, one can only imagine what the trauma is like. They articulated it very well on the airwaves and elsewhere, and certainly convinced me and any reasonable people along the way that there is need for change.

The Minister clarified that what is changing are the penalties, not the legal limits. A three month suspension is proportionate here as well. That should definitely be supported. Many red herrings were brought in about the dangers. During the pre-legislative scrutiny in committee, it was suggested that if one had a big meal, one could fall asleep at the wheel. That is an issue too, but it is not dealing with the issue of penalties for being over the legal limit for alcohol.

I concur with Senator Ned O'Sullivan's comments on unaccompanied drivers. The driving test waiting times are an issue. I know the Road Safety Authority, RSA, is making extra efforts to shorten those waiting times. Many people book driving tests but do not turn up for them. I know the RSA has people working to try to pre-empt that and speed up the process. It is really important that this happens. On the one hand, this law will be implemented where one will need an accompanying driver but if one has to wait months and months for a driving test, and then has to redo it if one does not pass, it causes all kinds of problems logistically for families.

There was a legitimate point on drink-driving penalties and suspensions rather than penalty points. Whatever resources are needed for the Garda to implement the laws as much as possible are important. In general terms, I would be very supportive of this Bill.