255. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider amending an element of the Road Traffic Acts (details supplied); if he is aware of claims that the limited three-hour window is causing undue pressure for An Garda Síochána to collect blood samples and could be helping intoxicated drivers evade the collection of a blood sample; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49181/25]

Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport: As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that the procedures for drink and drug driver testing are set out in the Road Traffic Act 2010 (as amended). Where a person is arrested on suspicion of driving or attempting to drive while intoxicated, the Act requires a designated doctor or nurse to take a blood or urine sample within three hours. The three-hour window ensures that the sample collected is a true reflection of the concentration of drugs and/or alcohol in the body. Accordingly, I am satisfied that there is no requirement to amend the Act at this time. However, I am prepared to consider submissions from qualified stakeholders on this matter.