Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of positive results that have been obtained since the targeted drugs testing was introduced in April 2009. [34858/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I amended the Defence Force Regulations to provide for Targeted Drug Testing (TDT) with effect from 11 March, 2009. Since the introduction of the amended regulatory procedures four members of the Defence Forces comprising two members of the PDF and two from the RDF have failed a Compulsory Random Drug Test. To date no members of the Defence Forces have failed a TDT.

The Irish Defence Forces policy on drug and substance abuse or misuse is based on the premise that unlawful possession, supply or use of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces and any member who tests positive may be removed from the Defence Forces.

The objective of Targeted Drugs Testing (TDT) is to ensure that an individual, who has tested positive for the presence of a controlled drug in a Compulsory Random Drug Test (CRDT) or TDT but who conditionally remains in service as a result of a decision of their Formation Commander, is performing his/her military duties devoid of the presence and/or influence of any controlled drug or substance. TDT involves the individual agreeing to submit to targeted drugs testing, in addition to the random selection process, for a period of up to 18 months.