9 July 1997
GPs reject drink drive claims
By Tom Shiel
NINE DOCTORS who work in Castlebar and who participate in the rota system organised by general practitioners (GP's) in the town have reacted strongly to suggestions that Gardai in Castlebar are finding it difficult to obtain a doctor to carry out blood and urine tests on suspected drink drivers.
The complaint about poor co-operation had been made by Chief Supt John Carey, head of the Mayo Garda Division, who said he was "disappointed" about the situation and intended bringing the matter up with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).
Chief Supt Carey told the Connaught Telegraph that the work of his officers in enforcing the drink drive laws in Castlebar was being made considerably more difficult because of the attitude of local doctors.
He went on to state that there had been occasions when suspected drink drivers had to be released because nobody could be found to take samples within the allowed three hour period.
REJECT
As a result of the Chief Supt's comments, Dr. Kieran Long, on behalf of nine Castlebar doctors, has written to Chief Supt Carey and the Connaught Telegraph rejecting the comments.
Dr. Long stressed that 75 per cent of the practices in Castlebar have provided services to the Gardai, when requested, in relation to drink driving offences and in other Garda business in the past and will continue to do so.
"We were surprised by Chief Supt Carey's statement and have written to him about the matter. There was no effort made by the Gardai to discuss this matter with us at any time in the recent past", Dr. Long added.
.Dr. Long explained that there are eight practices (nine doctors) in the public service in Castlebar.
Six of the eight provide services to the Gardai not alone on drink driving but in other work such as blood testing and alleged rape.
There was also a newly developing area of work in examining prisoners who allege they are mistreated by Gardai after being arrested, Dr. Long continued.
VAST MAJORITY
He went on: "There is a whole range of areas beside drink driving where the Gardai get co-operation from doctors. The vast majority do co-operate".
Dr. Long said doctors in Castlebar were concerned that the Chief Supt's comments cast them in a bad light and did not reflect the situation accurately.
The statement is signed by Dr. Kieran Long on behalf of Alice Beirne, Paul Carney, Bob Healy, Noel Hynes, Ann Long, Kay Moran, Richard Tobin Jnr., and Michael Waldron.
Last night Chief Supt. Carey totally stood over his claims and said he was writing to the Doctors outlining the facts.
He added: "I stand over what I said."
