Gardaí to to introduce random drug testing for all members

It will take at least six months for it to be put in place.

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Gardaí will soon be subject to random drug testing.

The anti-corruption unit says it's putting members on notice that the misuse of drugs is not tolerated.

It will take at least six months to put the policy into action. When it is in place, all Garda personnel will be independently drugs tested.

Any member who tests positive for drugs may face dismissal and possible prosecution.

"I'm concerned about drug taking in Irish society", explained Assistant Commissioner Pat Clavin.

"The Gardaí and the Garda staff that we have come from Irish society so we know of instances where we've had some of our people, unfortunately, have been recreationally using drugs so I would be concerned".

Elsewhere today, Gardaí also launched a professional boundaries and abuse of power for sexual gain policy and an overarching anti-corruption policy.