Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 667: To ask the Minister for Transport if there is a mechanism equivalent to the breathalyser which can test a motorist for driving under the influence of drugs other than alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29641/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic Acts 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 Medical Bureau of Road Safety is keeping abreast of developments in this area and is keeping me informed on the matter.