|
|
PARC happy with Dempsey
clarification
29.02.08
DRIVERS injured in
crashes in Inishowen are asking to be taken to
hospitals in Derry for treatment to avoid being
tested for drink or drugs, according to the PARC
road safety group.
PARC this week informed Transport Minister Noel
Dempsey of the problem and said the Minister pledged
to look into the matter.
"He was not aware of this and assured us that when
he is meeting with his counterpart in Northern
Ireland in March or April of this year he will
ensure that this will be on his agenda and he
thanked us for bringing it to his attention," said
PARC founder and chairperson, Susan Gray. |
 |
"He believes that the
transfer of penalty points between the Republic and
Northern Ireland is also an extremely urgent matter
and he will do all in his power to bring this about
within the shortest possible timeframe," she said.
PARC met with Minister Dempsey in the Dáil on
Wednesday to get a firm answer in relation to the
compulsory testing of drivers involved in all
accidents.
"The Minister confirmed that he will be introducing
legislation for the compulsory testing of all
drivers involved in even the slighest collision
attended by Gardai.
"He told us that the Government has decided |
that in the event of a
collision where a driver is seriously injured and
taken to hospital there will be provisions put in
place to ensure that he/she is tested for alcohol,"
added Ms. Gray.
PARC sought the meeting after concerns were raised
that the Minister intended only legislating for
compulsory testing in the case of serious accidents
only. They say they are now happy with the
clarification.
"Wording of the Road Traffic Act will change and the
new legislation will say drivers SHALL be tested
rather than MAY be tested as it stands at present.
"PARC is very pleased with the meeting and we hope
that the promised change in legislation will be a
reality before the end of the year. This will be the
ultimate deterrent to drink driving and unnecessary
loss of life," added Culdaff-based Ms. Gray.
She said her group would keep up the pressure until
the required piece of legislation was enacted into
law. |
|
