New rules to carry out random breath tests on staff Iarnrod Eireann have been welcomed by rail workers, the company said today.
The breathalyser tests, which were initiated three weeks ago, will reinforce "the drugs and alcohol policy as part of the company's health and safety policy" spokesman for Iarnród Éireann Barry Kenny said.
He added: "We don't believe it [drugs and alcohol at work] to be a problem but in terms of health and safety it's something that we're doing in line with the Rail Safety Act."
Spot checks are to be carried out on 5 per cent of the workforce including drivers; booking staff; human resources and service depot staff.
Mr Kenny said that the tests had been agreed by the rail workers' unions. He confirmed that so far all tests have returned negative results.