Garda conference in Naas is told that poor IT system was a factor in breath test scandal

A Garda conference in Kildare was told of how an outdated IT system was one of the factors behind the falsification in the number of alcohol breath tests conducted over the last number of years.

The Association of Garda Superintendents met yesterday in Naas for their annual conference, and they outlined how their technology is not up to the required standard for proper policing.

Association president Supt Noel Cunningham said that he felt that rank and file Gardaí were not deliberately distorting the figures in relation to breath testing, though they must now take responsibility for it.

"I don't think anybody was setting out to say I did X when they did Y," he said. "I believe members were acting in a responsible manner.

"They were doing these checkpoints, they were trying to identify drunk drivers."

Supt Cunningham also said that that the Garda Traffic Corps was under-resourced and that government pressure to reduce road deaths is also a factor in the breath test controversy. The conference also heard how the Drager breath test machine was not compatible with the Garda IT system at present.