Professor Denis Cusack:

It is an important factor. I thank the Senator for the question. We do not know whether these prescribable drugs, such as benzodiazepines, which include sleeping tablets and Valium, are actually used on prescription. It would appear they are not. It would appear in this context that those drugs are off prescription and people have borrowed them or got them on the black market. For the National Office for Traffic Medicine in the College of Physicians, on which I serve, and the RSA, the Sláinte agus Tiomáint document, is very important. As a doctor, I would say we do not want the wrong message to go out there so that people who are taking medication think they should not take drugs and drive. Medications are prescribed for a reason. They are prescribed to make patients better, healthier and safer drivers. People should take them but should be careful about a change in dosage or brand. They should consult their pharmacists and doctors. The advice is there. I urge people to keep taking their medication.

Sláinte agus Tiomáint is a fantastic document. I am on a number of international committees. Doctors and patients can look at this document. If people are taking medications legitimately, on prescription and under advice, it is good. That is not the case for people who are not taking them on prescription or are popping an extra few pills on the basis that if one is good, two are better. However, I do not believe that is a major factor in accidents. It is important that we do not give out a negative message that would scare people off. On the other hand, we must have an honest discussion, although I am not going to get into it today, about the use of cannabis and cocaine. Those are real problems and we must ensure we discuss them.