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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drug Misuse and Road Deaths.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

86 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice the concerns, if any, she has that drug misuse is a significant cause of road deaths; and if she intends to introduce drug tests for drivers in the near future. [5629/96]

I have no evidence to suggest that drug misuse is a significant cause of road deaths.

Sections 49 and 50 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, provide that it is an offence to drive or attempt to drive, or be in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. Intoxicant is defined as including alcohol or drugs or both.

Section 14 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, empowers a member of the Garda Síochána to require a person to give a blood or urine sample, where the Garda is of the opinion that the person in charge of a vehicle is under the influence of drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that there is rigorous and ongoing enforcement of road traffic law. To ensure a consistent and focused enforcement, it is given high priority both in day to day operations and in special road traffic enforcement campaigns throughout the year.

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