Shatter: Kerry Council motion 'grossly irresponsible'
The Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said the idea of drink driving permits is "grossly irresponsible".
Mr Shatter said there is no question of the Government allowing people over the legal blood alcohol limits to drive.
His comments come after Kerry County Council passed a motion this week in favour of the permits. The proposal was tabled by councillor Danny Healy Rae.
As part of Ireland's EU Presidency, senior members of the European Traffic Police Network are in Dublin today for briefings on road safety enforcement here, given the seven consecutive years of reductions in fatalities.
The Justice Minister Alan Shatter is slamming the idea of drink driving permits.
He said: "There is no question of this Government, or indeed I don’t think any future government, facilitating individuals' drinking in excess of the blood alcohol limits.
"Noone, I believe, in public life should encourage intoxicated individuals over the alcohol limit to drive and place their lives and the lives of others at risk.
"I believe to do so is grossly irresponsible."
Minister Shatter said the road safety message should not be contradicted by people seeking self political promotion.
He said: "Reducing fatalities on our roads must also take precedence over promoting social consumption of alcohol.
"Those of us who have the privilege to be in public life should relentlessly, repetitively deliver the message."
