Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2012
125 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of spare intoxilyser machines available to gardaí in case one machine is unable to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32887/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of evidential breath testing machines and roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 64 evidential breath testing (intoxilyser) machines allocated by the MBRS to Garda stations nationwide. There are an additional 1,014 roadside breath screening devices allocated across all Garda Divisions, which are used to assist Garda members in forming an opinion on whether a driver has consumed intoxicating liquor in excess of the legal limit.
In the event that any particular breath testing machine is not functioning correctly, An Garda Síochána contact the MRBS who arrange for its repair or temporary/permanent replacement.
The situation is closely monitored by senior Garda management and additional equipment is acquired when necessary. In that regard, the Deputy will be also be aware that An Garda Síochána has requested an additional 22 intoxilyser devices from the MBRS. The MBRS has indicated that the purchase and installation of the devices has been approved. An Garda Síochána and the MBRS are preparing an implementation plan for the installation of the additional evidential breath testing equipment and for the training of sufficient Garda personnel.
