Drug-testing - Screening of defence forces vital

PERHAPS the most notable thing about mandatory drug-testing for members of the defence forces is that it was not done long ago.

For decades, Irish soldiers have been on duty with the UN in places where drugs have been available, and so it is astonishing that a random drug-screening programme only came into operation a month ago.

In a profession where live ammunition and deadly weapons are part and parcel of the job, it goes without saying that anyone found taking drugs should be