asked the Minister for Justice if he has considered permitting the use of the breathalyser in relation to students of 17 years of age.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Breathalyser.
12.
(Cavan): I regret that I do not understand the point of the question.
The use of breathalyser equipment is regulated by law and not by me. The legislation does not provide for any exemption from the breathalyser based on age or status and the question of my permitting it does not arise.
Has the Minister seen reports of where children of between 13 and 14 years of age arrived at school under the influence of alcohol? Has the Minister any proposals to prevent this taking place?
(Cavan): The Deputy asks in his question if the Minister has considered permitting the use of the breathalyser in relation to students of 17 years of age but, as the Deputy appreciates, the breathalyser was brought into operation to deal with Road Traffic Acts and not with a situation where people are drinking under age, as the Deputy refers to.
Does the Minister appreciate that a child who may have a stomach upset or who could not sleep because of a bad headache may be suspected by his teacher of having taken alcohol? If so, would he not consider that rather than having the teacher taking arbitrary action it would be better to establish whether he has taken alcohol or not? In the event of the child having taken alcohol, does the Minister not consider it is time to take remedial action?
(Cavan): I hope the situation has not arisen where the breathalyser should be recommended for use on children arriving at school.