Road safety remains a core priority for me and the Government including ensuring that there are appropriate consequences for dangerous driving.
As the Deputy is aware, under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, if a person is convicted of dangerous driving causing death or serious bodily harm to another person, they can be imprisoned for up to 10 years or fined up to €20,000, or both. It is important to note that while my Department sets out the maximum penalty for dangerous driving through road traffic legislation, sentencing is a matter for the Courts Service.
The Department is developing the next Road Traffic Bill to fulfil Programme for Government commitments in relation to road safety, including graduated speeding penalties and camera-based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences. This Bill also presents an opportunity to consider other amendments to the road traffic acts, including around sentencing. In the preparation of the Bill, my Department will consult with relevant stakeholders and any proposal that may impact upon the courts and prisons will be developed in consultation with the Department of Justice.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that the Government has approved the General Scheme of the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill. The Bill will include an amendment allowing a jury to consider a charge of careless driving where an individual is acquitted of dangerous driving, as recommended by Judge Haughton in his report on the death of Shane O’Farrell.
