Mandatory drug testing of drivers involved in serious collisions is set to be introduced as part of the Government's efforts to raise road safety awareness.
At the moment drivers involved in road accidents are only subject to mandatory alcohol testing.
Minister of State Jack Chambers said he is committed to changing this.
The Minister - who sits at Cabinet - confirmed that new roadside equipment, which is being used by the gardaí for the last number of months, can test for drugs.
"I have asked my officials in the Department of Transport as part of the legislative group to progress work on this so the necessary legislative changes can be drafted," Mr Chambers said.
The matter is now expected to be a priority reform which will be discussed at the next Ministerial Road Safety Committee.
"Drug driving is as serious an issue as drink driving and the legislation needs to reflect this. Drug drivers must face the full consequences of the law," the Minister said.
Yesterday, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said there is evidence emerging of increased drug taking by drivers and there is an anomaly in the current legislation around testing.
'No doubt' drug use contributes to crashes - RIAC
The planned introduction of testing is "very good news", Royal Irish Automobile Club CEO Conor Faughnan has said.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Colm Ó Mongáin, Mr Faughnan said there was "no doubt" that drug use was a contributory factor in Ireland's road safety problem.
"It's a good deal more hidden than alcohol use, and it's not just the classic illegal drugs," he said.
"Coroner's data has shown us that in a significant percentage of fatalities, there are traces of cocaine, there are traces of cannabis found, but also traces of legal drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids, so it is a serious concern."
There is no bar or level of the presence of so-called common drugs which constitutes a level that would impair driving, Mr Faughnan highlighted, which may "be more difficult to establish legally", he added.
"Detecting traces of common drugs does not necessarily mean that it impaired the driver or caused the collision," said Mr Faughnan.
Speaking on the same programme, GP Dr Maire Finn said plans for mandatory drug testing of drivers in serious collisions could lead to people who are taking prescription-based drugs facing prosecutions.
She said drivers could be driving without realising that they are taking drugs that could impair their driving or lead to prosecutions in the future.
"That really should bring us to look at how we prescribe and advice we give to people when we are prescribing. Generally we try and use these for short term use or only for an acute illness or acute anxiety issue," she said.
Dr Finn said sedatives can have a huge impact on judgment and coordination and that if someone has significant anxiety and needs medication for short term use, "they should be advised not to drive".
Govt 'absolutely committed' to road safety
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has said Government is "absolutely committed" to implementing the changes around mandatory drug testing, as well as speed limits on roads, "next year".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said however that such implementation "takes time".
"We have 83,000km of minor rural country roads and we have to change the signage on every one of those.
"That takes time to change the legislation, both for mandatory testing for drug abuse and for the speed limits but we're absolutely committed to delivering that next year."
Changes to traffic systems such as what was recently announced for Dublin city centre will be replicated in other towns and cities to make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, Mr Ryan said.
