asked the Minister for Justice if, in order to eliminate preventable deaths on the road, he will extend the breathalyser and blood tests, which are done as a matter of routine in urban areas, to all rural areas.

Certain facilities are required in Garda stations to enable blood and urine specimens to be taken from persons suspected of the offence of driving or attempting to drive with a blood alcohol level in excess of 125 milligrammes. Providing the necessary facilities is of necessity a gradual and continuous process. The question of equipping further Garda stations with the necessary facilities is under consideration.

Could the Minister say roughly what proportion of the stations throughout the country have the facilities?

It would be less than half.