Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of repeat offenders under the Road Traffic Act 2012 who were previously fined for having more than 50 mg but less than 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. [7916/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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With effect from 27 October 2011, certain offences contrary to Sections 4 and 5, Road Traffic Act, 2010 (i.e. driving, or attempting to drive, or in-charge of a vehicle while, under the influence of an intoxicant) may be dealt with by way of Fixed Penalty Notice, in lieu of the commencement of criminal proceedings, for persons deemed suitable by the Regulations.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the statistics requested by the Deputy and I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of response from An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy is aware that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with the intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will, in future, receive a mandatory disqualification. I support Minister Ross's intention to amend section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which should assist us in ensuring more effective enforcement of road traffic offences and making our roads safer. My Department will continue to assist the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in bringing these changes forward.