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Road Traffic Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Questions (962)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

962. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 468 of 8 March 2018, if he will reconsider the issue. [1650/19]

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Written answers

As I outlined to the Deputy in response to his earlier question, the obstacle facing his proposal is that "over the counter" breathalyser kits are not necessarily reliable. These kits are not produced to the same exacting standards as the devices used by An Garda Síochána, which cost several hundred euro each and are carefully selected, tested and approved by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.

As accuracy and reliability are paramount in the enforcement of drink driving limits, the Department's position on this issue has not changed. Finally, it is important that there be no ambiguity on the fundamental principle: one should never ever drink and drive.

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