Proposals For Drunk Driving Permits Ruled Out

The Justice Minister, the Garda Commissioner and the Transport Minister have all shot down a proposal by Kerry County Council to introduce drink-driving permits for elderly people in rural areas.

The controversial motion was proposed by local Kerry politician Danny Healy-Rae, and passed by the Kerry Council last week.

Seven Councillors abstained from the vote, and twelve were absent, which meant it passed by 5 votes to 3.

Of the five that backed the plan, four were publicans.

The proposal suggested people in rural Ireland could have "two or three drinks" and drive home.

Councillor Healy-Rae, whose brother Michael is a TD, and whose father Jackie was also a TD, said the idea was to help "those people in every parish who are isolated and who can't get out of their place at night."

"A lot of these people are living in isolated rural areas where there's no public transport of any kind, and they end up at home looking at the four walls, night in and night out, because they don't want to take the risk of losing their licence," he said.

Although the proposal stood no chance of actually becoming law, the story made headlines around the world as the international media jumped at the chance to talk about the "crazy law" being planned in Ireland.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said it was "grossly irresponsible" for anyone in public life to promote drink-driving.

Mr Shatter said reducing fatalities on the roads must always take precedence over the promotion of social drinking.

He said: "There is no question of this Government, or indeed I don't believe any future government, facilitating individuals drinking in excess of the blood alcohol limits."

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said rural isolation is a serious issue, but the solution to it is neither alcohol nor drink-driving.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said people simply cannot drink and drive.

He said: "If you drink, don't drive and if you drive, don't drink. It's as simple as that.

"It's a short, snappy but very clear and distinct message from the people that are charged with law enforcement in this country."