Minister Noel responds to MADD comments regarding ignition interlock systems

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands, has not yet received a committee report on measures designed to combat impaired driving. He will await receipt before responding in detail to recent MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) comments regarding ignition interlock systems.

Mr. Noel said: "The final report is still being written. When complete, it will be made public. Recommendations will then be assessed, and decisions made about implementation. 

"This committee consists of highly qualified professional people including representatives from various departments and agencies, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the Crown Prosecutor's Office, the Safety Council and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They are dealing with difficult questions and are trying to identify solutions. I have every faith in their abilities and look forward to reviewing their conclusions. It is regrettable that MADD has questioned the credibility of members of this committee.

"MADD should realize that it is the committee's responsibility to make recommendations.
Government will decide what action to take following appropriate assessment of those recommendations.

"Our objective is to reduce the carnage and cost of impaired driving. We will do whatever makes sense. We have already proposed new initiatives to reduce impaired driving in our Automobile Insurance Consultation Paper."

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 11 01                             1:55 p.m.