Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1108. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the number of breath tests that were recorded on An Garda Síochána's Pulse computer system; the number of alcohol testing devices used each month for the years 2018 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37547/23]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that the outcomes of breath tests are only recorded on the PULSE system in the case of Mandatory Intoxication Testing (MIT) checkpoints, and at the scene of road traffic collisions.
I am further advised that the table below shows the yearly breakdown of the number of breath tests carried out at the scene of MIT checkpoints. It also contains subsequent tests at the station:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
314,471 |
316,075 |
105,263 |
89,244 |
150,670 |
88,734 |
*2023 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023
I am also advised that the table below provides a yearly breakdown of the number of breath tests carried out at the scene of road traffic collisions. Road traffic collisions are of the type Fatal, Serious Injury, Non-Serious Injury and Material Damage Only collisions.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
6,824 |
6,986 |
5,067 |
5,858 |
6,748 |
3,446 |
*2023 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023.
The above figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2018 to 31 July 2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report was collated by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service and is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 16 August 2023 and is liable to change.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that in relation to the number of alcohol testing devices reportedly used each month, this data is held by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), and An Garda Síochána are unable to provide it.
