Joan Burton
Question:110 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for the random drug testing of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4660/03]
Other Questions. - Drug Testing.
Drug abuse has long been recognised as a serious and escalating problem in our society, and while there have been relatively few instances of drug-related problems within the Defence Forces, it is recognised that the Defence Forces, as a component of the wider community, mirror the community at large. The implications of drug abuse in an organisation in which personnel have access to firearms are too obvious to require elaboration.
A compulsory substance testing programme was introduced on 1 February 2002, following a long consultative process with the Office of the Attorney General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General and the Defence Forces representative associations, as part of a Defence Forces substance abuse programme. Prior to the launch of the programme, an education programme and awareness briefings were conducted throughout the Defence Forces. All personnel were issued with a booklet devised to inform them of the purpose of the new testing programme, the administrative procedures involved and the sanctions for those who test positive. All necessary measures, including pre-enlistment screening, education, compulsory random drug testing and monitoring and sanctions, will be taken to maintain a drug-free environment within the Defence Forces.
The primary objective of compulsory random drugs testing is deterrence. In order to provide a credible level of deterrent, the testing programme has been devised to maximise the possibility of random selection for testing. A trained drugs testing team will be responsible for taking the urine samples for compulsory random testing throughout the Defence Forces. Testing commenced on 14 November 2002 and it is envisaged that 10% of the Defence Forces will be randomly tested per annum. A member, randomly selected, may be required at any time to provide a urine sample, which will be used for testing for evidence of use of controlled drugs or the abuse or misuse of other substances, or for the detection of the metabolites thereof. A member who refuses to provide a urine sample or provides a urine sample which tests positive shall be liable to retirement, discharge or relinquishment of commission or withdrawal of cadetship, as appropriate under the provisions of Defence Force regulations.
According to reports, very large numbers will be subject to testing. Has the programme been agreed by the representative organisations? Will it be applied to all ranks?
The programme, which has been agreed with the representative associations, will involve about 10% of the Defence Forces each year, from all ranks. It will take a considerable amount of time to complete the programme. There has been no resistance to it.
Is there an appeals process?
Yes. As the results of having a positive test are immediate retirement, relinquishment of commissions, etc., there is obviously an appeals system, which may or may not work in the person's favour, depending on what evidence is involved.
Has the system of testing started yet?
Yes.
Have there been any negative results? Are substances such as steroids being tested for, or just illegal substances?
Just illegal substances.
Are there any plans to test people at point of entry, when they apply to join the Defence Forces?
As far as I know, there are no plans to test people at point of entry. If I had the information about negative results, I am not sure I could divulge it, but I do not have it. I will need time to think about the procedure that should be adopted in order to divulge such sensitive information. Obviously, I will have to consider it at some point.
How long will that be?
From the preliminary information, what is the favourite illegal drug among the Defence Forces?
I am afraid I am being unhelpful to Deputy Gormley today, in some cases quite deliberately. In other cases, I am not able to cope with his tenacity and his ability to ask things which are impossible to answer.
Is the Minister surrendering?
The Deputy is almost succeeding in paralysing me altogether.
Will the Minister indicate to the House the incidence of random testing? Is it once a week, once a year or once every two or three years?
It is once a year, plus the possibility of random sampling of anybody at any time.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.