Micheál Martin
Question:20. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to tackle drug driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45186/12]
View answerThursday, 18 October 2012
Questions (20, 24, 43)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:24. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on drug driving; the measure he will take to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44943/12]
View answer
Paul Connaughton
Question:43. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on drug driving; the measures he will take to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44940/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 24 and 43 together.
These questions relate to drug driving.
Drug driving is a matter of great concern particularly as evidence suggests a growing prevalence of people driving under the influence of drugs in Ireland. In order to better inform our understanding of the drug driving problem and the options available to tackle it, I asked the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, earlier this year, to undertake a study on roadside drug testing and related matters. The associated report and its recommendations were published yesterday (17 October).
One of the main objectives of the study was to determine whether there are currently available any suitable devices, similar to breathalysers, that can detect and measure the level of drugs in a driver’s system. The Bureau has advised that, while research in the area is continuing, oral fluid is emerging as the specimen of choice for use in roadside chemical drug testing devices. As a result, I have approved the establishment of a Working Group to consider the issues associated with introducing such devices. I am advised that, while there is now the potential for a suitable roadside device to be used for the testing of a number of commonly used drugs, there is still no device available for the testing of all drugs.
In advance of any technological measures, I also propose to introduce impairment testing for use by An Garda Síochána in determining whether a driver is incapable, from intoxication, of having proper control of a vehicle. This testing will consist of simple, physical, cognitive tests such as walking a straight line, tipping one’s nose or counting while standing on one leg. In order to implement this measure, I intend amending a previously uncommenced provision of the 2010 Road Traffic Act for inclusion in the next Road Traffic Bill currently being prepared by my Department.
I will examine all the recommendations arising from the Bureau's study and will support any measures aiming to enhance the detection and deterrence of drug driving in this country.