Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the 22 extra intoxilysers that were requested by the Gardaí to facilitate the lower drink driving limits will be rolled out to their allocated Garda station; the stations that will receive a new intoxilyser machine; the reason for the delay in rolling out these 22 extra intoxilysers; if he will confirm that each new machine cost in the region of €80,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30851/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has statutory responsibility for the testing, approval and supply of roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. I am further informed that the introduction of the lower limits for breath alcohol in October 2011, as provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2010 (as amended), necessitated the replacement of existing evidential breath testing instruments in Garda stations. In advance of the introduction, 64 evidential breath testing instruments were allocated by the MBRS to Garda stations nationwide. The Garda authorities and MBRS trained Garda personnel from the 64 Garda stations as supervisors and operators of the new instruments.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána have requested an additional 22 intoxilyser devices from the MBRS. In that regard, the MBRS has indicated that the purchase and installation of the devices has been approved. An Garda Síochána and the MBRS are preparing an implementation plan for the installation of the additional evidential breath testing equipment and for the training of sufficient Garda personnel. The following shows table shows the Garda Divisions where the intoxilysers are to be installed:

I am also informed by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, that each evidential breath testing instrument costs in the region of €10,000.