merrion street

The Dáil has passed significant new road safety laws which make it compulsory for Gardaí to conduct a breath test at any road collision where someone has been injured. Also drivers, who in the opinion of the Garda Síochána, have consumed intoxicating liquor, will be required to undertake preliminary breath tests with the enactment of this new

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar TD said he was very pleased that the Road Traffic Bill 2011 has received the backing of all parties in the Dáil, as the new law will make a major contribution to road safety.

I am very pleased that this measure has been passed, and that it received cross-Party agreement, having already been approved by the Seanad. This law will be enacted by the President shortly and will start saving lives from the moment it is introduced.

The measure requires Gardaí to conduct a preliminary breath test at the scene of a collision where someone has been injured, or where they believe the driver has consumed alcohol. I was particularly pleased that it was the first piece of legislation debated by the Dáil under the new Government.

The Minister concluded...

Road safety will be a priority for this Government throughout its term in office, and I look forward to introducing further measures in the ongoing effort to save lives on the roads.