Written answers

Thursday, 28 June 2007

5:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine when he proposes to introduce compulsory alcohol and drug testing for drivers involved in accidents causing injury; and the way he proposes this measure will work in cases where drivers need urgent medical attention. [17907/07]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic Acts provide that a member of the Garda Síochána may require a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle to provide a preliminary breath specimen where the vehicle is involved in a road collision. Garda discretion in relation to the use of preliminary roadside tests in such circumstances is necessary, having regard to possible injuries sustained, and I do not propose to alter that position.

The Road Traffic Acts also place an obligation on a person to provide a blood or urine sample in a hospital. This applies where an event occurs involving a vehicle which results in a person being injured, or a person claiming or appearing to have been injured, where the person is admitted to or attends a hospital, and a member of the Garda is of the opinion that, at the time of the event, the person had consumed an intoxicant. An intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs or any combination of alcohol and drugs.

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