asked the Minister for Justice if the number of people prosecuted for drunken driving or for being in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle while drunk is increasing or decreasing.

The relevant statistics are contained in the annual crime reports of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The most recent report avilable relates to the year ended 30th September, 1974, and it shows that the total number of prosecutions for driving, attempting to drive, or being in charge of a mechanically-propelled vehicle while drunk or while having a blood alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit, was 40 per cent higher in that year than in the previous year. There was an increase of 98 per cent in the number of prosecutions for refusing to provide a preliminary specimen of breath or for refusing to provide or permit the taking of a urine or blood specimen.

Is the number increasing?

What I have given are up-to-date statistics. There is no information as to whether they are increasing. However, the graph has been upwards and this is an indication of intense police activity in this area.

Has the Minister any plans for bringing forward further legislation in an effort to have a decrease in the figures this year rather than to let them continue to increase each year?

The most effective deterrent is the knowledge of almost certain detection and conviction. These figures show that the detection rate is extremely high and this situation is the most effective deterrent we can have especially when one has regard to the severe penalty that follows a conviction. The law, of itself, will not prevent people from drinking and driving.

The Minister for Finance in his own way is ruling out the necessity for any further legislation in this regard.