Road Traffic Bill prompts bitter debates in Dáil

The Road Traffic Bill would create stricter penalties for drink drivers and make a new offence for car owners who allow a learner driver to use their vehicle unaccompanied.

However, the legislation has been delayed for months because of strong opposition from a TDs belonging to the Rural Independent Group.

Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae, who has been accused of delaying the bill’s passage, has insisted he is representing the people of Kerry and all rural communities in Ireland.

Under the law, first-time drink-driving offenders would face automatic bans, abolishing the current regime under which those just above the limit are issued penalty points.