Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 493 of 31 January 2006, if he will establish with the Garda Commissioner the policy in respect of roadside breathalysers; the reason no breathalysers were used in the Dublin south and Dublin north central divisions in 2004; the reason the practice in these divisions differs from that in all other divisions; his views on the impact of this practice on the levels of drink driving in these two divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6273/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that use of the alcometer by a member of the Garda when forming his or her opinion about drink driving under the Road Traffic Acts 1963-2003 is not a necessary proof in such prosecutions. The failure to use the alcometer in the two Garda divisions in question has not adversely affected the rate of convictions in the divisions.