asked the Minister for Justice whether it is proposed to introduce legislation dealing with the regulation of road traffic, and, if so, whether the legislation will provide for the licensing of drovers and the regulation of the driving of cattle and other stock on roads and in markets.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REGULATION OF ROAD TRAFFIC.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
The question of legislation to deal with the more effectual regulation of road traffic has been under consideration for some time. The Minister for Local Government had power conferred upon him by the Local Government Act, 1925, to deal with certain important aspects of the problem, but there are other aspects which still remain to be considered, and it is difficult to say whether the Department of Justice or the Department of Local Government and Public Health would be the appropriate Department to deal with them. I have decided to ask the Minister for Local Government and Public Health to cooperate with me in setting up a Departmental Committee of Inquiry to investigate what fresh powers are required to deal with the regulation of road traffic, and to recommend what authorities should have the responsibility of making and enforcing regulations. This Committee will be asked to consider the licensing of drovers and the regulation of the driving of cattle on roads and in markets.
This particular matter has been brought to my notice by the Minister for Lands and Agriculture, whose primary interest it is, but as there is a traffic aspect, I think the question might appropriately be referred to the Committee of Inquiry.