TRAFFIC BILL DAIL UPROAR
tds in angry clashes as drink-drive law passed
TOUGH new drink-drive laws were passed yesterday but only after a blazing row in the Dail in the run-up to the vote.
A debate on the Road Traffic Bill descended into chaos when deputies became mired in a shouting match with one representative’s behaviour labelled insulting to those who have lost loved ones on Ireland’s roads.
Michael Healy-rae, a member of the Rural Independent group resisting the Bill, was accused of rambling, verbal diarrhoea and talking the measure out of the Dail.
The Ceann Comhairle struggled to restore order and accused those involved of bringing the Dail into disrepute.
The Road Traffic Bill, proposed by Transport Minister Shane Ross, would impose stricter penalties on drink-drivers and make it an offence for car owners to allow a learner to use their vehicle unaccompanied. Mr Healy-rae talked for over an hour about what he called adverse effects on rural communities.
He cited busy parents, waiting times for driving tests and insurance premiums as roadblocks to the effectiveness of the proposed legislation.
Mr Healy-rae said: “Why is the Government not tackling the high cost of insurance?
“Why are we not doing anything about bogus claim culture?
“Young people going to work, if they have to wait 30 weeks for a full driving test, what are they supposed to do? If they’re not able to work, how can parents manage?
“You’re doing absolutely nothing to speed up the process of getting full licences.”
Mr Healy-rae was accused by a number of
TDS of filibustering and preventing the legislation being passed. Tommy Broughan said: “This rambling discourse is not relevant. “Mr Healy-rae is trying to talk this Bill out and wait until another election so he can do a deal and this law will never see the light of day.” Sinn Fein’s Imelda Munster told the Ceann Comhairle that Mr Healyrae’s behaviour was despicable.
She said: “It’s hugely insulting to those who lost their lives on roads and have been injured.
“It would serve him best to speak to the families here in the gallery who have lost loved ones.”
After the Bill was carried by 75 votes to eight Danny Healy-rae shouted: “This is a sad day for rural Ireland.” The Bill will now move to the Seanad for passage.
Drink-driving destroys lives but despite repeated campaigns and warnings that stark message does not seem to be getting through even to some politicians.
Tough new laws were passed in the Dail yesterday but only after a heated debate and efforts to thwart the Road Traffic Bill.
It is hard to believe that after so many lives have been lost due to drink-driving there would be so much opposition to the laws.
The legislation imposes stricter penalties on those over the limit while behind the wheel as well as a raft of other measures.
No one will welcome the tough new laws more than those who were in the Dail public gallery who lost relatives due to drink drivers.
Overall there has been a huge cultural change when it comes to boozing before hitting our roads but it appears the message has not got through to some politicians.
On the other hand it is also true rural communities have been neglected by the Government and deprived of resources leaving many people isolated.
This situation can be resolved by the provision of improved transport infrastructure, not turning a blind eye to drivers getting into their cars after drinking.
The message to anyone planning to enjoy a barbecue or a summer drinks party this weekend is to leave the car keys at home and arrange a taxi or a lift home.