John McGuinness
Ceist:498 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking or plans to take regarding the issue of drug driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/03]
Written Answers. - Road Safety.
The Government Strategy on Road Safety 1998-2002 recognised that the influence of drugs on driving behaviour is an issue of increasing concern. Identification of the presence of drugs is however more complex than for alcohol. Consequently, considerably more work is needed to develop a more detailed regulatory regime for drugs and driving.
It is illegal in Ireland to drive while under the influence of drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as inserted by Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 prohibits the driving of a mechanically propelled vehicle by a person while under the influence of an intoxicant. An intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs and any combination of drugs and alcohol.
Enforcement of the law on drug driving is a matter for An Garda Síochána. When a member of the Garda suspects that a motorist is driving under the influence of any intoxicant the garda may arrest the suspect under Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
In 2002 the Medical Bureau of Road Safety continued to analyse specimens for the presence of drugs. Since 1 January 2002 all samples found under the legal limit for alcohol are automatically being tested for the presence of a drug or drugs as well as cases where the Garda requests that a test for drugs take place. A total of 388 specimens were tested in 2002 of which, 60% tested positive for drugs.
Following on the success of the road safety strategy, the Government is committed to the development of a new road safety strategy to apply for the next three years. Preparation of the new strategy is being completed and I expect to bring specific proposals for the strategy to Government in the near future. The new strategy will set out the best approach to future policy on drug driving.