172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when legislation will be enacted to ensure that drug testing takes place at the scene of a road traffic accident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/23].

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers: Since 2011, it has been mandatory for An Garda Síochána to test a driver involved in a fatal or serious collision for the presence of alcohol. It is the Department's understanding that a garda arriving at the scene of such a collision will also test for drugs as a matter of best practice, particularly since the introduction of improved portable testing technology in recent months, but no formal requirement is set out in legislation at present.

My Department is examining the possibility of introducing an amendment to make drug testing mandatory at the scene of a serious accident, bringing the relevant primary legislation in line with current Garda practice. As the Deputy is aware, any amendment to primary legislation must be approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.