Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that the legislation is being commenced during the Easter break, which is a time when people engage in different types of behaviour, sometimes excessively.

A study undertaken by the County Kildare coroner showed that in 2014 over 1,300 samples from drivers were analysed for drugs, of which 58% tested positive. Some 52% were positive for two or more drugs. We have therefore seen a growth in poly-drug use that is beyond the scope of drug-related issues in this Act. Drug-related behaviour contributed to many traffic incidents but roadside testing was not intervening. It is, therefore, positive that the Road Safety Authority and the Department are commencing this testing at an appropriate time of year.

The Road Safety Authority should ratchet up its own campaign to raise public awareness that it is commencing. It will deter people from engaging in reckless behaviour on the roads, such as consuming drugs before driving. I welcome the new information from Minister and hope that it will reduce road fatalities.

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