Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 109: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of Garda stations that have intoxilizers on their premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11802/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The approval, testing and supply of evidential breath testing instruments to the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which also provides training to An Garda Síochána in their use. The MBRS has responsibility for the continuing forensic integrity of the instruments.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that evidential breath testing instruments are currently installed in 64 Garda locations, including all Divisional Headquarters Garda stations as well as other stations where they are available to all members of An Garda Síochána on a 24-hour basis, every day of the year. The installation of further evidential breath testing instruments is currently under consideration.

These instruments, which determine the level of alcohol for evidential purposes, are not to be confused with other instruments which determine the presence of alcohol and which are typically deployed at roadside checkpoints.