The proposed new Road Traffic Bill, which includes new speed limits in kilometres per hour, has been debated in the Dáil today.
The new limits are due to come into force on 22 January next year.
It will also enable gardaí to hire private contractors to handle the administration of penalty points.
It is understood that the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, will not go ahead for the time being with plans to give gardaí the power to carry out random breath tests on drivers.
The debate is due to continue tomorrow.
