Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs regarding the widespread availability of illegal drugs his views on whether a trend is emerging whereby people believe it acceptable to drive vehicles while under the influence of such drugs; if he has had discussions with the Department of Transport in relation to same; if a joint initiative between his Department and the Department of Transport will be undertaken to address drug-driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42837/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the matter raised is primarily one for my colleague, the Minister for Transport. I can assure the Deputy, however, that I certainly do not think that driving under the influence of drugs is acceptable nor do I believe that there is a trend towards acceptance of driving while under the influence of drugs among the general public.

A report "Driving under the Influence of Drugs in Ireland: A Nationwide Survey 2000 — 2001", which was published in 2004, highlighted the issue as a cause for some concern. That survey involved drug analysis of 2,000 specimens, 1,000 of which had tested under the limit for alcohol and 1,000 of which were over that limit. The survey found that 15.7% tested positive for some drug, with cannabinoids being involved in 60% of these cases.

It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of a vehicle. There are currently no means available to Gardaí to carry out roadside tests for the presence of drugs in drivers. However, I understand that new equipment will be tested by the Gardaí next year under an EU pilot initiative organised by TISPOL, the European network of police forces.