Question
132. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for completion of the independent review of the reporting of breath tests and the issuing of fixed charges notices commissioned by the Policing Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41206/17]
Answer
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy is aware, my predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality wrote to the Chairperson of the Policing Authority in accordance with section 62O(6) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 (as amended) requesting that the Authority report on its oversight of the issues which have arisen in relation to mandatory alcohol testing.
This report is to include an examination of all aspects of the matter, addressing to the extent possible the reasons why issues have arisen, the incidence and scale of the issues and the solutions implemented to ensure there is no recurrence.
The Policing Authority contracted an independent company to carry out the examination of these issues in accordance with the request. I am advised that the independent examination is at an advanced stage and the Policing Authority expects to be in receipt of the report in October.