Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the 22 additional intoxilysers requested by Gardaí in 2009 have been installed into the necessary stations nationally and if the 220 Gardaí due for training in its use have completed the MBRS training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6533/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As outlined in my reply to Deputy yesterday, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 64 evidential breath testing (intoxilyser) machines allocated by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) to Garda stations nationwide. An Garda Síochána has requested an additional 22 intoxilyser machines from the MBRS. In that regard, the Garda authorities and the MBRS are preparing for the roll out of the additional machines during 2013. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that Evidential Breath Testing Training commenced in November, 2012 with training delivered to 141 Garda members. I have also been advised that such training is ongoing and will continue to be an ongoing requirement in the context of organisational considerations and the introduction of the additional intoxilyers.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views that there is a need for more roadside breathalysers in view of the fact that Gardaí have stated recently that on occasions they were unable to carry out a roadside test at a serious collision scene due to the fact that a breathalyser was not available within the requisite period of time set out undersection nine that is where a person may be detained for up to one hour for an apparatus to be made available to carry out the roadside test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6534/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, 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 evidential breath testing machines and roadside breath screening devices to An Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 1005 roadside breath screening devices allocated by the MBRS across all Garda Divisions, which are used to assist Garda members in forming an opinion on whether a driver has consumed intoxicating liquor in excess of the legal limit. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that there are sufficient roadside breath screening devices to meet current Garda operational needs. Roadside breath screening devices are carried in Garda vehicles as appropriate and I am also assured the availability of devices is kept under constant review by senior Garda management in conjunction with the MBRS.