Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There is no feasible basis, at present, in Ireland or in Europe for the introduction of a preliminary roadside test for drugs, as testing devices are still in the prototype stages. However, I have indicated to the relevant bodies, including the Gardaí and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) that I would like to see viable roadside testing for drugs introduced as quickly as possible. The 2010 Road Traffic Act provides for preliminary impairment testing, a non-technology based roadside test for drug driving. The MBRS, in association with the School of Medicine UCD, is responsible for the provision of training in the use of preliminary impairment testing for Gardaí. That training has now commenced and I expect to commence the relevant provisions of the 2010 Act this Autumn. In the meantime, the MBRS will be keeping abreast of developments in this area in other countries. When suitable technology becomes available, any measures currently applied to the roadside testing of drivers for alcohol will also be applied in relation to drugs.