Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a programme of testing for drug driving; the reasons for the delay in introducing such a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35054/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Enforcement of the law on drug driving is a matter for An Garda Síochána. When a member of the Gardaí suspects that a motorist is driving under the influence of any intoxicant, the Garda may arrest the suspect under Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by the 2004 Road Traffic Act). In line with the commitment in the current Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, Section 11 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, when commenced, will provide for the preliminary impairment testing of drivers by members of the Garda Síochána. This provision will assist the Gardaí in forming an opinion as to whether a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. Action 78 of the Strategy also provides for reviewing the legislation and enforcement options associated with drug driving.

However, in relation to roadside drug testing, 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. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety is keeping abreast of developments and will advise me when a suitable roadside-testing device becomes available and should be introduced in this country. A programme of testing for drug driving will be developed when the relevant technology is in place.