The National Youth Council of Ireland has described a proposal to impose a zero alcohol limit on young drivers as "tokenistic" and said motorists of all ages should be aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.
Speaking after a meeting with European transport ministers in Dublin yesterday, Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said a zero limit was "something that has worked in other countries".
"I think it's a very good idea. I think it's one that I'd like to adopt here. I obviously have to talk with the Road Safety Authority and look at the legal implications of how we might do this."
But the NYCI said today such a ban might suggest it was safe for experienced drivers to drink and drive.
"Every single person's ability to drive is impaired by alcohol whether they're 17 or 70, a fist time driver or have been driving for years," said NYCI Director Mary Cunningham.
"Targetting learner and therefore mainly young drivers is purely tokenistic because it suggests that experienced drivers can drink and drive safely when we know this is not the case."
The NYCI has previously called for a reduction in the blood alcohol limit from 80mg to 50mg in line with European standards.
"What is needed is a measured response which tackles the issue of drink driving in Ireland, and stops the slaughter on our roads, and not one which targets only new drivers" added Ms Cunningham.
Mr Cullen said the proposal could form part of the "graduated" driver's licence system that he has spoken about. Motorists would have to work their way towards a "fully-qualified, all-singing, all-dancing licence".
Mr Cullen said countries such as Sweden and Australia operated such a system.
"The message would be that if you can get people into that habit. . .when they go on and get their full licence they don't go out and drink at all. It stays with them."
