Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I agree that the more information collated and published the better. I assure the Deputy that the medical bureau continues to analyse blood and urine samples received from the Garda Síochána under any of the road traffic Acts not alone for alcohol but for drugs. Much of the data obtained from research and testing is used. Under a roadside drug testing assessment project, the levels of drugs in blood, urine and saliva, using a range of drug screening devices, in approximately 3,000 cases have been examined. A Rosita-2 project was carried out from 2003-2005 to evaluate the usability and reliability of on-side saliva testing. However, following research, it was determined that none of those tests were sufficiently reliable as to allow us legislate for their use on a regular basis.

I assure the Deputy, whom I acknowledge is as concerned about this matter as am I, that as soon as a robust mechanism is found we will be in a position to move on it.

See this speech in context