Plans by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to lower the legal blood-alcohol limit were opposed by the vast majority of speakers at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party tonight.
Mr Dempsey insisted though that he intended to press ahead with his proposal which he said was supported by compelling scientific evidence.
However, he stressed that those convicted of driving with a blood-alcohol level between the old limit of 80mg and the new limit of 50mg would not lose their licences.
He said such offenders would be fined and have penalty points applied.
Over 20 TDs and Senators spoke against the measure at a meeting described as 'hot and heavy' and which saw a number of clashes between the Minister and members.
Michael Moynihan, TD for Cork North West, said people spoke very passionately at the meeting about the impact of the reduced limit on rural Ireland and the effect it might have on social isolation.
He said ministers must reflect earnestly on the contributions they heard. His own view remained that the change must not go ahead.
Earlier, John Gormley said he supported Mr Dempsey’s plan to reduce the blood-alcohol drink driving to 50mg from the present 80mg per 100ml of blood.
The Environment Minister said he understood backbench objections, but the issue was too serious to be compromised.
‘I would support the Minister for Transport absolutely on this issue,’ he said in Luxembourg.
‘I understand the concerns of rural Ireland, nevertheless I don't think we can afford to be any way lax when it comes to drink driving.
‘The issues are extremely serious. We've seen the tragedy and the carnage on our roads and the Minister has conscientiously tried to deal with this issue, and I believe we can't afford any major rollback on this particular issue.’
The Road Safety Authority, which supports the move, says Ireland and Britain are the only countries in Europe that still have an 80mg limit.
The Irish Medical Organisation has also called for the limit to be lowered.
