Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular format the commitments under the programme for Government which his Department is responsible for; the progress made to date with regard to each commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32402/14]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The commitments under the Programme for Government for which my Department are responsible and the progress made to date with regard to each commitment is included in the table [click url above for full table].

Output Indicators:

We will introduce roadside drug testing programmes to combat the problem of driving under the influence of drugs. 

Progress to date:

Section 11 of the Road Traffic Act 2014 provides for intoxicant impairment testing which will replace section 11 of the Road Traffic Act 2010.  These non-technological tests will assist the Gardaí in forming the opinion that a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant and will form part of the evidence, should a court case ensue.  It is expected that section 11 will be commenced shortly.

A working group chaired by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) and with representation from An Garda Síochána and the Department was established last year to consider the scientific, operational, legislative, resource and cost issues with regard to the introduction of roadside chemical testing for drugs. The MBRS is currently finalising detailed specifications for the oral fluid roadside testing devices and expects to issue the invitation to tender for the devices later this year.  It is also setting up a laboratory to test the devices. Legislation to provide for the use of such devices is currently being drafted in consultation with relevant agencies and bodies and will form part of the Road Traffic Bill to be introduced later this year.