[Oireachtas] Dáil Éireann Debate. Question 80 – Road traffic offences [drug list] [6204/26]. (25 Feb 2026)
External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026...
80. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to update the list of substances that are tested in roadside testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/26]
Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport: An Garda Síochána have specialised equipment to test at the roadside for the most prevalent drugs detected in Irish drivers, namely cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines/methamphetamines. The list of drugs for roadside testing is kept under constant review, in accordance with national and international patterns in drug driving.
Members of An Garda Síochána have powers to arrest a driver they suspect may be impaired, with or without the use of a roadside testing device, which, in turn, can result in a specimen being sent for testing to the Medical Bureau for Road Safety (MBRS). The MBRS currently tests for 81 intoxicants.
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