asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if his attention has been directed to the returns recently issued showing the alarming number of accidents fatal and otherwise on the roads of the Saorstát; if he is aware that illuminated mechanical road signs are now in universal use in all countries where they have been found to be most helpful in preventing accidents and in checking the speed of motor traffic; if he will state whether he has received any request from the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána to give his approval to an order for the erection of these signs, and if he has not received any such request from the Commissioner, will he ascertain the cause of the delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illuminated Road Signs.
The whole question concerning the matters raised by the Deputy is the subject of consideration between the Gárda Síochána and my Department at the moment.
The Accident Statistics for 1934 have only been received from the Gárda Síochána this morning and they will be examined without delay. There is no information at present available as to whether the accidents happened in daylight or dark, in crowded thoroughfares or in the open country. Information on these points and on other aspects of the case will be necessary before it is decided in any particular case to erect illuminated mechanical road signs.
Is the Minister aware that I was informed, in reply to a question 12 months ago, that the matter was then engaging attention?
It is still engaging attention.