Written answers

Thursday, 6 March 2008

5:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount of funding currently allocated to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety for driver drug testing; his response to the MBRS request two years ago for additional funding in order to expand the drugs analysis programme; his views on the introduction of a roadside drug testing initiative; the international driver drug testing programmes his Department are currently reviewing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9615/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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While my Department provides annual funding to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), the allocation of resources to the various programmes is a matter for the Bureau itself.With regard to drug testing of drivers, the Road Traffic Acts already provide that a member of the Garda Síochána may, where he or she is of the opinion that a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place is under the influence of a drug or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of that vehicle, require that person to go to a Garda station and further require that person to submit to a blood test or to provide a urine sample.

There is no feasible basis as yet in Ireland or in Europe for the introduction of a preliminary roadside test for drugs, as testing devices are still in the prototype stages. However, the MBRS is keeping abreast of developments in this area and is keeping me informed on the matter.

Photo of Joe CareyJoe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Transport if the proposed roll out of speed cameras will have an impact on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Analysis of recent road collision data by the RSA confirms that speeding is a serious issue in relation to road safety. Inappropriate speeding has been identified as one of the primary causes of death and injuries on Irish roads. The introduction of the Safety Camera Network to provide 6,000 hours of enforcement per month is a specific action identified in the 2007 — 2012 Road Safety Strategy.

This has been targeted as a very significant addition to the existing enforcement programme and of vital importance not only in achieving increased levels of compliance with road traffic law but also in saving lives. The Government decision last week to proceed with the safety camera project, notwithstanding the significantly increased costs since the original estimate, is an indication of the Government's seriousness in addressing road safety.

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