Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of mobile intoxilyser machines in operation by the Garda traffic corps to monitor and detect drink driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25491/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I informed by the Garda authorities that, while use is not made of mobile intoxilyser units (mobile evidential breath testing instruments), there are 1,005 roadside breath screening devices allocated across all Garda Divisions, which are used by members of An Garda Síochána to assist in forming an opinion whether a driver has consumed intoxicating liquor in excess of the legal limit. There are 64 evidential breath testing instruments installed and operational in Garda stations nationwide. I am advised that the Garda authorities are satisfied there are sufficient roadside breath screening devices to meet current operational needs. The availability and allocation of devices are kept under constant review by Garda management in consultation with the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.