Vol. 524 No. 5
131 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for drug testing within the Defence Forces; the discussions that there have been with the representative bodies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22978/00]
Drug misuse has long been recognised as a serious and escalating problem in our society and while there have been comparatively few instances of drug related problems within the Defence Forces, it is recognised that, as a component of the wider community, they mirror that community to a large degree in that its members are drawn from all sectors of our society.
Any question of drug abuse among members of the Defence Forces would present a serious and potentially dangerous problem, particularly as members of the Defence Forces may be required to carry firearms, as part of their normal duties. In addition, drug abuse is prejudicial to good order and discipline and therefore at variance with the ethos of the Defence Forces. It is considered desirable that a programme to deal with this issue be drawn up.
The proposal to introduce a compulsory substance testing programme in the Defence Forces as part of a Defence Forces substance abuse programme is at present the subject of discussions in my Department and will be discussed at the conciliation council for the Permanent Defence Force. The terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme, which were agreed with the representative associations, provide that matters being discussed under it are confidential to the parties involved. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it would be inappropriate for me to comment in any detail on this matter other than to say that every effort is being made to effect a mutually satisfactory resolution.
