Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Drug Testing of Motorists.

John Dennehy

Question:

352 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the seemingly small number of persons, 338, who, according to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, were asked to submit a specimen for testing for the presence of a drug other than alcohol; his views on whether, in view of the high positive test rate, 60%, there should be an extension to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17793/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The Government Strategy on Road Safety 1998-2002 recognised that the influence of drugs on driving behaviour is an issue of increasing concern. Identification of the presence of drugs is, however, more complex than for alcohol. Consequently, considerably more work is needed to develop a more detailed regulatory regime in relation to drugs and driving.

It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as inserted by section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, prohibits the driving of a mechanically propelled vehicle by a person while under the influence of an intoxicant – an intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs and any combination of drugs and alcohol.

Enforcement of the law on drug driving is a matter for the Garda. When a member of the Garda suspects that a motorist is driving under the influence of any intoxicant he may arrest the suspect under section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.

In 2002 the Medical Bureau of Road Safety continued to analyse specimens for the presence of drugs. Since 1 January 2002, all samples found under the legal limit for alcohol are automatically being tested for the presence of a drug or drugs as well as cases where the Garda requests that a test for drugs take place. A total of 388 specimens were tested in 2002, of which 60% tested positive for drugs.

The road safety strategy has now completed its term and the Government is committed to the development of a new one that will apply for the next three years. The new strategy, which is being prepared by the high-level group on road safety, will give consideration to the best approach to future policy on drug driving.