3rd April 2007
192. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost of introducing mandatory drug testing on arrival for all prisoners and regularly thereafter. [12824/07]Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the cost of introducing mandatory drug testing along the lines described by the Deputy would be in the region of €300,000, not including staff and other costs. However costs would obviously differ depending on the frequency of testing, whether all prisoners would always be tested or whether a random or targeted testing model was to be used.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.