PRESS RELEASE

DATE: 21 October 2009
SOURCE: Irish Insurance Federation

The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) today came out in support of Transport Minister Noel Dempsey’s proposal to reduce drivers’ maximum permitted blood/alcohol content from 80mg to 50mg per 100mls.

IIF Chief Executive Mike Kemp said, “The Minister is right to value the safety of road users above vested interests and irresponsible drivers who want to continue drinking and driving, putting their own and others' lives at risk.

“Even one drink impairs a person's ability to drive, and the scientific evidence from around the world confirms that the lower the drink-drive limit, the fewer alcohol-related fatalities and serious injuries occur,” said Mr. Kemp.  “Virtually all other EU Member States have recognised this in implementing a limit of 50mg or lower, and there is no reason why Ireland should be different.”

He concluded, “whatever the limit, it is vital that sufficient resources are deployed to enforce the law on drinking and driving.  We have consistently campaigned for greater legislative and manpower resources for the Gardaí.   An increased Garda presence on our roads and the introduction of mandatory alcohol testing have already contributed to a reduction in fatal accidents, and a further increase in Garda resources should accompany the proposed reduction in the BAC limit.”

For further information please contact:

Jane O’Driscoll, PR and Communications Manager, IIF: Tel: 6447781/ 087 9795369 email: jane.odriscoll@iif.ie

or

Niall Doyle, Corporate Affairs Manager, IIF:  Tel:  6447787 or  086 286 7529

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) is the representative body for insurance companies in Ireland representing 64 member companies, which collectively:
  • write over 95% of Irish insurance business (over €18 billion in premiums);
  • are responsible for the investment of over €92.5 billion in life policyholder assets and non-life claims reserves; and
  • employ 15,000 people.