John McGuinness
Question:498 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking or plans to take regarding the issue of drug driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/03]
Vol. 577 No. 3
498 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking or plans to take regarding the issue of drug driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/03]
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 for drugs and driving.
It is illegal in Ireland 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.