Railway workers to face random drug and alcohol tests

06/10/2005 - 07:37:35
Transport Minister Martin Cullen has announced plans to require train drivers and other railway workers to undergo random drug and alcohol tests.

The minister told the Dáil last night that he was planning to introduce legislation that would make it illegal to be intoxicated while working on a railway.

He said the law would also allow for the random testing of all "safety-critical" railway workers for intoxicating substances.

Mr Cullen said he had consulted with railway unions and companies about the move and had also worked closely with the Attorney General to ensure the new law would withstand constitutional challenge.