Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with the Department of Transport and Marine regarding the introduction of random drug testing under the interim National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34121/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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In developing proposals for the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, my Department consulted widely with all partners, including the Department of Transport. The finalised Strategy includes an action to "implement random road side drug testing as soon as this is technically and legally possible", with the Department of Transport as lead agency for this action.

I understand that, at this stage, there is no feasible basis yet in Europe for the introduction of a scheme of preliminary roadside testing for drugs. Testing devices are still in the prototype stages. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which comes under the remit of the Department of Transport, is keeping abreast of developments in this area. My colleague, Noel Dempsey T.D., Minister for Transport will be guided by the Bureau as to when a roadside test suitable for use here becomes available and can be introduced.