Chairman: We will now have a discussion with Professor Denis Cusack, director of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. I welcome Professor Cusack and Ms Pauline Leavy, chief analyst at the bureau. I draw their attention to the fact that members of the joint committee have absolute privilege but that this same privilege does not apply to witnesses appearing before the committee. Members are reminded of the parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I propose that we hear a short presentation by Professor Cusack which will be followed by a question and answer session. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Professor Denis Cusack: I am grateful to the Chairman and members of the Joint Committee on Transport for their kind invitation to attend and address this meeting. I understand the committee is looking forward to a discussion on the work of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and generally on the issue of driving under the influence of intoxicants, most particularly drugs. As the Chairman said, I am accompanied by our chief analyst and chief scientist, Ms Pauline Leavy.

[For the full debate, click this link to the Oireachtas website]