Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Transport his strategy to tackle drug driving; the reforms he is planning to strengthen the testing regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39974/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Driving under the influence of intoxicants, drugs as well as alcohol, is one of many key issues in road safety, and the testing of drivers in relation to drugs is already provided for in the Road Traffic Acts.

A member of the Garda Síochána, 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, may 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.

While the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) is keeping abreast of developments in the area of preliminary roadside testing for drugs, as there is no feasible basis as yet in Ireland or in Europe for such testing, the General Scheme of a Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which was recently approved for drafting by the Government, includes measures to assist the Gardaí in the enforcement of drug driving.

My colleague, the Minister for Health, in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority, recently launched a new road safety leaflet aimed at medicines and the driver. The new leaflet highlights the issues of driving and medication.