610. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the roadside drug testing devices; and the timeframe for when these devices will be in use on roads here. [2668/15]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): It is my policy to see roadside testing of drivers for drugs, along similar lines to existing tests for alcohol, in place as soon as practicable.  

The technology for roadside testing for the presence of drugs is relatively new, and there are various devices on the market. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) published an invitation to tender for the provision of roadside devices to test for the presence of drugs in August 2014 which closed at the end of September 2014.  The MBRS is currently assessing a number of devices, proposed as part of the tenders submitted, which will also be tested for their suitability in due course in conjunction with An Garda Síochána.  I understand that this process will take some time and that the selection of a preferred device is expected to take place later this year.

In addition to the selection of the roadside devices, there is a need for primary legislation which will enable An Garda Síochána to undertake roadside drug tests.  My Department is currently working on preparation of the Road Traffic Bill 2015, the main focus of which will be the testing of drivers for drugs.