Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in County Westmeath and County Longford who are trained in using breathalyser equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that all Gardaí throughout the country are trained in the use of the blow in the bag alcolyser. In the Longford/Westmeath Division, which covers the counties of Longford and Westmeath, 91 Gardaí (all ranks) are trained in the use of the hand held alcometer (roadside breath testing instrument for the presence of alcohol) and 79 Gardaí (all ranks) are trained in the use of the intoxilyser (evidential breath testing machine).

The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) is responsible for the approval, supply and testing of equipment or apparatus for indicating the presence of alcohol in the breath. Garda management are satisfied that for the amount of breath testing equipment available adequate numbers of members have been trained to meet demands for breath testing.