Drunk drivers could be facing much harsher punishment if Transport Minister Shane Ross’ plans for an automatic ban go ahead.
As it stands currently, drivers caught above the legal limit are sanctioned with three penalty points. However, Minister Ross is due to speak in the Dáil today, to discuss tougher punishment for those who choose to get behind the wheel intoxicated.
"I am extremely concerned about the statistics around intoxicated driving, and I am determined that this area will be tackled as a matter of urgency," he told Independent.ie.
"I am concerned that in certain cases where people have breached the alcohol limit while driving, the awarding of three penalty points sends out the message that it is not a serious offence.
"I therefore intend to remove the current penalty and replace it with a disqualification period, so that all people who are found to be drink-driving will receive an automatic disqualification from driving."
However, other members of the Dáil are calling Mr Ross’ plans “rushed”.
“You could do something with law that could have a detrimental effect and have an effect that people might not actually want,” Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae told Newstalk.
“You have to take everything into account. It’s a bit like what’s happening in America at the moment with President Trump.
.@Shane_RossTD announcing this morning he wants to end situation where first time drink driver is not disqualified from driving #ntfm pic.twitter.com/U56gYYSMMM
— Páraic Gallagher (@paraicgallagher) February 8, 2017
“He’s making an awful lot of rushed decisions that, when you look at it, are they really being thought through and put through the political process? My belief is that they’re not.”
The TD is calling for Minister Ross to consider his proposals fully before imposing them.
