478. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his plans to amend the Road Traffic Act 2016 to include nitrous oxide on the list of offences involving certain drugs for the purpose of road side testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73873/25]

Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport: I wish to inform the Deputy that officials from my Department meet regularly with An Garda Síochána and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) to discuss matters related to drug-driving. As with any legislation, I consider feedback on its operation from An Garda Siochana and other stakeholders and act if it is clear that improvements can be made. I can confirm however that there are no plans at present to amend the Road Traffic Act to include nitrous oxide on the list of intoxicants for road side testing.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all drivers that driving under the influence of drugs is an extremely serious offence that poses a direct threat to the lives of other road users. It is the personal responsibility of every driver to refrain from driving if there is the slightest risk he or she might be impaired owing to intoxicants.