Brennan stands firm over plans for random testing of train drivers

TRANSPORT Minister Séamus Brennan vowed yesterday to plough ahead with plans to introduce random drug and alcohol testing for train drivers despite opposition from opposition parties and trade unions.

Speaking yesterday after the Railway Safety Bill was discussed by the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Mr Brennan said he would introduce a random testing measure into the text of the Bill when it reaches report stage.

“It’s just too important. If there is a train crash tomorrow with 200 people killed, as things stand, we will not be able to test the driver,” said the minister.