Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
374. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional equipment An Garda Síochána has received since 2010 to assist members in roadside testing for banned substances; the number of machines available nationally for banned substance testing in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52979/13]
View answer375. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown by division of the banned substance roadside-testing equipment available to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52980/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
I am informed by an Garda Síochána that roadside testing equipment is not currently available to the Garda authorities to assist in testing for banned substances. The introduction of roadside drug testing devices is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, who has established, on foot of the publication of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety's Report on Roadside Drug Testing and Equipment and Related Matters in October 2012, an implementation group to examine the complex issues associated with the introduction of a roadside chemical testing device for drugs. An Garda Síochána is represented on this group and its work is ongoing.
