Garda Equipment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Questions (132)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

132. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views that there is a need for more roadside breathalysers in view of the fact that gardaí have stated recently that on occasions they were unable to carry out a roadside test at a serious collision scene due to the fact that a breathalyser was not available within the requisite period set out, under section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, that is where a person may be detained for up to one hour for an apparatus to be made available to carry out the roadside test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6534/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 1005 roadside breath screening devices allocated by the MBRS 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. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that there are sufficient roadside breath screening devices to meet current Garda operational needs. Roadside breath screening devices are carried in Garda vehicles as appropriate and I am also assured the availability of devices is kept under constant review by senior Garda management in conjunction with the MBRS.