Tanaiste Micheal Martin has suggested there will be a crackdown on drug driving.
The government is planning a major overhaul of speed limits across the state.
While the speed limit review has been ongoing for two years, work to implement the reductions will be fast-tracked amid concerns around the rising number of road deaths in Ireland.
Mr Martin suggested all aspects of road safety will be looked at.
Speaking to media in Dublin on Thursday, he said legislation will be brought forward but it will take time.
“Enforcement is going to be key and so ministers discussed stronger enforcement of existing speeding regulations and more generally in terms of all aspects of safety on the roads,” he said.
Mr Martin said there is evidence of increased drug taking – and suggested legislation may be needed to address that.
“There is evidence emerging of increased drug taking and perhaps a need for legislation in respect of the mandatory nature of checking for drugs as much as checking for alcohol,” he said.
“There seems to be an anomaly there in respect of that.
“All aspects of safety on the road are being looked at, enforcement and also a public relations campaign in terms of the appalling fatalities and carnage that can happen.”
