Dr. Declan Bedford:

I agree with that. The percentage of those we have tested positive for cocaine over the past three years has not changed; it has stayed very much the same. It was about 8% in 2019, 8% in 2018 and 8% in 2017. However, there is an increase in the amount of drug-taking overall in Ireland, so it will filter through eventually to driving.

On the question on males, unfortunately it is the case, not just in Ireland, that most dangerous and reckless driving is done by younger males. That is not to say it is not also done by females and older men but younger men tend to take too many risks. They have a great belief in their own ability to drive but do not have the experience to match that.