This is shocking.
Only 40 percent of drink-driving cases that come before Ireland’s District Courts result in convictions.
This rate was even more paltry between January and May of this year, with only 28 percent of those charged ended up convicted.
For the sake of context, it’s important to note that almost everyone charged with drink-driving in England and Wales is convicted of a crime. In those parts of the UK, the conviction rate for drink-driving cases is 97 percent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBsQc0a_8sE
Co. Kerry has the lowest average conviction rate of any county, at 29 percent. Offaly is the county most likely to convict somebody charged with drink-driving, and even then the rate is a modest 68 percent.
In light of this news, TDs and road safety awareness organisations have expressed their desire for ‘an entire review of the penalty points system.’
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
