Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the President of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors calling for a tougher policy on speeding and drink driving, including a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" penalty points system; if he plans to consult the Garda following reported comments from the president that the effects of the penalty points system have worn off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12522/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of the recent comments from the President of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors calling for a tougher policy on speeding and drink driving. Speeding and drink driving remain two of the most significant contributory factors in road collisions. New measures to address these issues are contained in the new road safety strategy, which is due for publication shortly.

In addition, speed limit policy was the subject of a report of a wide-ranging working group who carried out a review of the present speed limits structures last year. New legislation is being prepared in my Department, which contains provisions for the implementation of revised speed limits structures based on the recommendations made by the group. Government approval to the general scheme for that legislation was given last Tuesday and I intend to bring the Bill before the Oireachtas during the current session.

There is regular contact between the various agencies involved in road safety, including meetings of the high level group on road safety on which the Garda Síochána are represented. There has been no indication from the Garda authorities of a diminution of the effects of the penalty point system.