asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sweden's chief professor of forensic science, Professor Roger Bonnichsen, has been reported as saying that the breathalyser test for motorists has been found to be alarmingly inaccurate during its 32 years use in Sweden; and if he will have a full inquiry made into the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Breathalyser Test.
18.
Mr. Barrett
I have seen a copy of the event of the provisions of the Road Traffic Bill in that regard being enacted, the Swedish authorities have of breath-testing device to use here in the press report in question.
As part of the study of the best type been asked for further information on the subject. I would refer the Deputy to my Second Reading speech on the Road Traffic Bill, in which I stated that the realiability of breath analysis in normal everyday conditions had not been conclusively established as a method of producing evidence for use in court and that blood and urine analysis would be used here for this purpose. My remarks are contained in Volume 227, No. 1, columns 67 and 68 of the Dáil Debates for 7th March, 1967.
Mr. Barrett
Is the Minister going to rely on press reports of what this expert said or will he try to get further information on the matter?
What I said was that the Swedish authorities have been asked for further information on the subject.