Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016
580. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce testing systems for drivers under the influence of drugs, including on-the-spot swab testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4130/16]
View answerThe Road Traffic Bill 2016, which I am happy to say was passed by the Seanad last week, contains measures to provide for roadside tests of oral fluid for the presence of drugs.
The new measures will empower Gardaí to conduct roadside oral fluid tests for drugs in similar circumstances where they can already conduct preliminary breath tests for alcohol. Mandatory Alcohol - MAT - checkpoints will henceforth be known as Mandatory Intoxicant - MIT - checkpoints, as Gardaí present will be able to test for drugs as well as for alcohol.
This is an important new tool for Gardaí in addressing driving under the influence of drugs. In addition to assisting in identifying drivers who have consumed drugs, I believe the introduction of the new tests will help to raise public awareness of the risks of drug driving, and will act as a deterrent. It is anticipated that the new drug driving measures will be operational in the summer.
