85 fail drug tests in Defence Forces

Eighty-five members of the Irish Defence Forces have tested positive for illegal drugs since compulsory random checks were introduced in 2003.

The tests, which were carried out by members of the Irish army, navy, air corps and reserves, are designed to detect the presence of illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

Figures provided by the minister for defence in response to a parliamentary question this week reveal that 16,804 such tests have been performed since the practice was introduced in 2003.