The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, is to introduce random drug and alcohol tests for train drivers in a move likely to place him on a collision course with transport unions, writes Carl O'Brien
The measures will make it a criminal offence for any railway employee working in an area of "critical safety" to expose passengers to danger through consumption of drugs or alcohol.
But the National Bus and Railworkers' Union last night warned that the way the Minister was approaching the issue threatened to drag industrial relations back to the "dark ages".
The previous Coalition Government abandoned plans for the random tests following union opposition to whether drivers who test positive would still benefit from a disability insurance scheme.
Mr Brennan, who is expected to announce the changes next month as amendments to the Railway Safety Bill (2001), says it is time to "tighten up" the area surrounding passenger and driver safety.
However, embarking on a conflict with unions over an issue likely to benefit from public support could also help pave the way for wider reform in the transport sector.
Mr Liam Tobin, chief executive of the National Bus and Rail Workers' Union, said he was not opposed to the principle of random tests but expressed anger that they had not been consulted over the issue.
"Nobody is more anxious than drivers over safety issues but if the Minister is not willing to consult with us, then it looks like we'll have to revert back to the dark ages of industrial relations, which he seems intent on doing," Mr Tobin said.
He said union opposition to the proposed measures in the past centred on the Government's failure to clear up question marks over whether members would be entitled to a insurance scheme if they tested positive for drugs or alcohol.
At a debate on the Railway Safety Bill at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport yesterday, Mr Brennan also disclosed details of plans to limit the number of people who will be allowed on trains. He said it was inevitable that there would be a "lot of dissapointed people left on platforms" as a result of the measure, but it was needed for safety reasons.
He said new limits could have major resource implications for the Exchequer.
Details were also released yesterday of a independent railway investigation unit which will be responsible for investigating various kinds of railways incidents.