John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of breathalysers and intoxilysers available to An Garda Síochána in each Garda division in County Sligo and north Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11293/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are three types of breathalysers in use by An Garda Síochána, the blow in the bag alcolyser and the alcometer, both of which are used for roadside breath testing, and the intoxilyser. The alcolyser and alcometer test for the presence of alcohol in the breath. The intoxilyser is an evidential breath testing instrument and tests the driver's breath for the level of alcohol.

I am further informed that currently there are nineteen alcometers in use in the Sligo / Leitrim Garda Division, in addition to the alcolyser type breathalysers, which are on issue to every Garda Station. Intoxilysers are installed in Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Stations, which are Divisional and District Headquarters respectively.

If a person is arrested on suspicion of drink driving they may be tested at any Garda Station where an intoxilyser has been installed or at a Garda Station equipped for the taking of a urine or blood specimen by a designated registered medical practitioner.