asked the Minister for Justice the total number of convictions for drunken driving obtained in the courts since the introduction of the breathalyser tests; and the total number of prosecutions on a regional or district basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drunken Driving Convictions.
15.
The statistics sought in the question are not recorded at Garda headquarters and could not be compiled in the time available.
Besides, quite apart from the difficulties which the House is aware of concerning blood and urine tests, it is too soon to get any useful statistical picture as many of the cases would still be undecided or subject to appeal. The only figures available are that, since breathalyser tests were introduced on 3rd November, 1969, until 31st March, 1970, the number of persons subjected to the test was 153. In 95 cases the test was "negative" and in 58 cases it was "positive".