Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel tested under the drug testing programme in 2007 and to date in 2008; the number and rank of those who tested positive; the type and class of drugs detected; the action taken when a member tests positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42649/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Defence Force policy on drug and substance abuse or misuse is centered on the premise that the unlawful possession, supply or use of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces. In October 2002 the Defence Forces introduced a Compulsory Random Drug Testing (CRDT) programme. Since then, 8,422 tests have been conducted with 34 tests yielding a positive result (0.4%). In 2007 a total of 1,905 tests were conducted of which 7 proved positive. The positive tests included 3 where cannabis was detected, 3 where amphetamine was detected and 1 refusal to undergo testing which is classed as a positive test result. Of the 7 personnel who tested positive 1 held the rank of corporal, 5 held the rank of private or equivalent and one was a recruit.

In 2008, to date, a total of 1,871 tests have been conducted of which 5 proved positive. The positive tests included 2 where cannabis was detected, 2 where cocaine was detected and 1 where barbiturates were detected. All 5 personnel who tested positive, held the rank of private or equivalent. The CRDT programme now incorporates Reserve Defence Forces personnel. Personnel serving overseas are also liable for testing.

Personnel who test positive for a controlled substance are liable to administrative actions terminating their service in the Defence Forces. Following a High Court judgment earlier this year, the procedures that apply in the case of a positive test result are being updated. Revised procedures have now been developed. Discussion on the introduction of these new procedures is currently taking place with the Representative Associations through the Conciliation and Arbitration process. I expect that this will be completed in the very near future.

Pending the introduction of new procedures, the administrative processing of positive test results has been put on hold. In the meantime, the programme of Random Drug Testing has not been affected. Tests continue to be conducted in accordance with the planned schedule. The schedule consists of annual testing of 10% of the Permanent Defence Force and 10% of all Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel who report on annual camp. Any positive results will be processed under the revised procedures.