Where is the Promised Government Legislation on Mandatory Alcohol Testing at Road Accidents?

Before the last election, on the 20th April 2007, the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave a commitment to introduce mandatory alcohol testing for drivers at road traffic accidents where injuries were sustained. 

Fine Gael tabled a Private Members’ motion in the Dáil on 16 October 2007 calling for a Bill to introduce mandatory alcohol testing of drivers involved in road accidents.    

A few hours before the debate could take place on that day, the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, attempting to gazump the Fine Gael motion, announced that he would introduce legislation requiring mandatory alcohol testing at road traffic accidents.

It was reported at the time that the Cabinet had decided on the 16th of October that “compulsory breath testing of all drivers involved in serious road accidents is to be introduced early next year.”

Over two years later the Government have taken no action on introducing this legislation. Today in the Seanad I called on the Minister for Transport to explain what is happening in relation to this legislation which is essential in order to establish the link between alcohol usage by drivers and accidents on our roads. 

The Minster for Transport wishes to make a name for himself by reducing the legal alcohol limit from 80- 50mg, yet fails to honour his commitment given over  two years ago to introduce mandatory alcohol testing at road traffic accidents.

Such mandatory alcohol testing is equally important in reducing the carnage on our roads.