Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Transport his views in relation to its effect on road safety of the situation whereby it is not possible to issue fixed penalty notices on foot of detections under the MAT regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12695/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic Act 2006 was passed by the Oireachtas on 6th July 2006 and was signed by the President on 16th July 2006.

A Commencement Order in July brought a number of the provisions in the Act into effect, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, from Friday 21st July 2006. Approximately 30,000 Mandatory Alcohol Testing checkpoints are being operated by the Gardai every month.

Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for the introduction of a fixed charge and disqualification for certain drink driving offences. The implementation of that section requires necessary administrative and enforcement preparations, including adjustments to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing and IT systems and the testing of those systems.

Although work is progressing on these matters, it is not possible to commence this section until the necessary arrangements as outlined above are finalised and in place.