A new saliva test, currently being piloted in the state of Victoria, Australia, identifies cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy, three of the most popularly used illegal drugs in Ireland.

Depending on its success in Victoria, the road-side test may then be introduced here, according to Noel Brett, chief executive of the RSA.

"We are watching closely how the saliva test works in Victoria.

We know that drug-driving here is a major issue and it is something we are committed to tackling, " he told the Sunday Tribune.

At present, gardai must "form an opinion" if they believe a person is driving under the influence of drugs and then take them to a garda station for a blood or urine test.

As a result, the number of people being tested for legal and illegal drugs while driving is extremely low compared with the number of people breathalysed for alcohol.

With the saliva drug test, if a person tests positive, they are then brought to the station for a urine or blood test to confirm they have recently consumed cocaine, cannabis or ecstasy.

"Yes, it could result in a huge number of people being caught. But at the moment, we already have legislation to convict people driving under the influence of drugs, " Brett added.

Cocaine and ecstasy act as stimulants and may heighten confidence and aggressive driving. Cannabis may produce the opposite effect and reduce reaction times and spatial awareness. These drugs may also be combined with alcohol to produce further impairment.

The RSA recently developed a road safety strategy that will soon be considered at government level.

The strategy includes initiatives to tackle drug-driving, as well as a proposal for an alcohol rehabilitation course for some people convicted of drink-driving.