Written answers

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Traffic Collisions

9:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 423: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the statistics for the years 2006 to 2010 in relation to alcohol and drug-related collisions will be published (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16385/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Collection and dissemination of statistics in relation to motor accidents and the incidence of the influence of alcohol and drugs is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have requested the RSA to respond to the specific aspect of the Deputy's question. If you have not received a response within ten days, please contact my office.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 424: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if nine out of ten surviving drivers in fatal road collisions are still not being tested for alcohol or drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16387/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Arising from the commencement of all provisions of the Road Traffic Act 2011 on 1 June 2011, it is now mandatory for a member of An Garda Síochána to test for the presence of alcohol where a driver has been involved in a road traffic collision where injury has been caused. Under the same commencement order, Statutory Instrument No. 253 of 2011, mandatory breath testing now also applies where a member of the Gardaí is of the opinion that a driver has consumed intoxicating liquor.

In addition to the breath testing provisions, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety carries out analyses on specimens of blood and urine provided by the Gardaí to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs. Since 1 July 2008, all samples found under the legal limit for alcohol were automatically tested by the Bureau for the presence of a drug or drugs. In addition, Gardaí can also request that a test for drugs be undertaken where the alcohol level is above the legal limit.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.