Two Clare TDs have clashed over plans for a zero tolerance approach to drink driving.
The Transport Minster, Shane Ross is proposing a three month ban for anyone caught over the limit, But while Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD has raised concerns that it could see people put off the road after they’re caught on the morning after the night before.
Transport Minster Shane Ross wants to see a zero tolerance approach to drink driving, saying it could save 35 lives every year.
Under his proposals, anyone caught driving while just over the legal blood alcohol limit would be given a three-month driving ban.
Currently, drivers with between 50 and 80 milligrams of alcohol in their system receive three penalty points and a two hundred euro fine.
Fianna Fáil also want the penalty increased, but not to the same extent – instead, the party is proposing that the sanction be raised to five penalty points and a fine of 500 euro.
Clare TD Timmy Dooley fears the Minister’s ‘one-strike’ approach will punish drivers who were responsible on the night but unaware of the affects on their system the morning after.
He has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that greater Garda enforcement is the real solution to stop drink driving.
Clare’s Indpendent TD has described those comments as a red herring, saying there’s no excuse to drink and drive.
Dr Michael Harty believes there is no excuse for driving over the limit, and has also shrugged off concerns that the new laws may worsen rural isolation, with people afraid to go to the pub.
Dr Harty says he doesn’t believe that’s the case.
Fianna Fáil is not alone in its opposition to the Bill- A number of Independents have spoken out against it, and Fine Gael TDs may be given a free vote when it comes before the Dáil later this year.
You can listen back to the interview with Deputy Dooley and Deputy Harty on Morning Focus below:
