Defence Forces enter €130,000 deal to randomly drug test members - hair samples to be used for first time

The current Defence Forces requirements for drug testing are solely for urine testing however under the new contract, it is envisioned that a requirement for hair testing may arise.

The Defence Forces is to spend €130,000 on random drug testing of its members and involve tests through hair samples from defence force members for the first time.

This follows the Defence Forces entering a deal with a UK based company, Alere Toxicology to carry out the work over the next two years.