313. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Defence the number of mandatory drug tests that have been undertaken by members of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service in each year since compulsory random testing was introduced in 2003; and the number of tests that indicated the presence of an illegal substance in each year.  [40294/14]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Simon Coveney): Compulsory Random Drugs Testing (CRDT) and Targeted Drugs Testing (TDT) support the Defence Forces’ policy on drug and substance abuse or misuse. This is based on the premise that unlawful possession, supply or use of a controlled substance is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces. The primary objective of CRDT and TDT is deterrence. The Defence Forces continues to be a leading organisation with regard to workplace drug testing in Ireland. In order to provide a credible deterrent, the testing programme is devised to ensure that all Defence Forces personnel are liable for testing through random selection.

I am advised by the relevant military authorities that, as at the 16th   October 2014, the Defence Forces Drug Testing Team has tested a total of 16,804 Defence Forces personnel since 2003. Of the 16,804 tests, 99.49% proved negative. There were 85 positive tests representing, 0.51% of the total tests completed. Appropriate administrative action ensued in all cases.

A summary of the Defence Forces CRDT programme is published annually in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report.

The table below outlines the number of CRDT carried out by the Defence Forces each year from 2003 to date: