Only 14 roadside drugs test in 18 months

Only 14 roadside drug tests have been carried out in Westmeath since they were introduced 18 months ago.

According to new figures released by the Department of Justice last week, since April 13 last when the powers of An Garda Siochana were extended, nationally there have been 1,939 roadside drugs tests conducted on drivers, 259 of which have tested positive. Of the 14 tests conducted on drivers locally, five have tested positive.

The devices employed by the Gardai involve testing the same of a driver's spit for the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates, heroin, morphine and benzodiazepines such as valium.

Before the devices were introduced and legislation was changed it was estimated that Gardai would carry out 50,000 roadside drugs test each year.

Some gardai have complained that the testing devices are cumbersome to use and can take up to ten minutes for a result to be returned. It has also been reported that the devices don't work when the temperature falls below four degrees celsius.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Deputy Robert Troy, the Fianna Fail spokesperson on on Transport, Tourism and Sport, said that it was “extremely disappointing that despite setting a target of 50,000 tests per annua they are failing miserably”.

“We need to ascertain why – is it a lack of resources? Is the test equipment efficient and effective?

“The RSA chief will come before the Transport Committee this weeek and I will be raising the matter with her. I have also raised the matter with Minister Ross and am awaiting a reply.

“Drug abuse will driving a motorised vehicle can cause death and yet we are not enforcing it in a meaningful way- we need answers and fast,” Deputy Troy said.