Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent report published by the Louth county coroner (details supplied) in which they concluded that almost half of all people killed in road accidents in County Louth in the last six years were found to have consumed alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2637/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The consumption of alcohol and drugs has long been accepted as a factor which increases the risk of involvement in collisions. The information contained in the report of the Louth county coroner is further confirmation of the deleterious relationship between alcohol, drugs and driving. The report shows a trend towards improved driver behaviour with a general increase in the percentage of drivers below the alcohol legal limit for the period. While in 2000 some 57% of drivers killed in road traffic accidents were below the legal limit, this increased to 78% and 82% in 2004 and 2005, respectively.