Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 5

Written Answers. - Drug Tests.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

31 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces by rank who have been subjected to random drug testing since the procedure was introduced; the number of positive tests; the action which has been taken following positive results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13093/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Drug abuse has long been recognised as a serious and escalating problem in our society. 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 where personnel have access to firearms are too obvious to require elaboration.

On 1 February 2002 a compulsory substance testing programme was introduced as part of a Defence Forces substance abuse programme. It followed a long consultative process involving the office of the Attorney General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General and the Defence Forces representative associations.

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 CRDT 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, monitoring and sanctions, will be taken to maintain a drug free environment within the Defence Forces.

The primary objective of CRDT 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 test ing. A trained drugs testing team will be responsible for taking urine samples for compulsory random testing throughout the Defence Forces. Testing commenced on 14 November 2002 and it is envisaged that 10% of them will be randomly tested per annum. A member, randomly selected, may be required, at any time, to provide a urine sample which will be tested 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 who 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.

To date 531 personnel, all ranks, have been tested. This figure comprised 89 commissioned officers, 204 non-commissioned officers and 238 privates or equivalents. There have been two positive tests.