Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of breathalyser tests, that is, tests conducted with either an alcometer or the blow in the bag alcolyser, conducted in each of the years from 2002 to 2005 inclusive; the breakdown for each Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3282/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed there are no data available on the number of breathalyser roadside breath tests for the years 2002 and 2003.

The following table indicates the number of roadside breath tests for 2004, by Garda division. Statistics are not compiled in such a way as to indicate the Garda station. The amount of time it would take to compile such information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources and could not be justified in the circumstances. I understand final figures for 2005 are not yet available.

A roadside breath test is not required before effecting an arrest for drink driving. Thus in DMR north central there were 373 arrests without a roadside breath test being required. Similarly, in DMR South there were 590 arrests without a roadside breath test being required.