asked the Minister for Local Government if he proposes to introduce legislation to make the wearing of seat belts in motor vehicles compulsory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Seat Belts.
28.
I do not propose to introduce such legislation at the present time, but I am keeping the matter under review.
Has the Minister's attention been drawn to a recent decision in the English courts where a plaintiff's damages were substantially reduced because of his failure to use a seat belt?
Yes. I also read a report in one of our papers that insurance companies here were going to adopt a similar line. Naturally, they would.
Does that not make it incumbent on the Minister to expedite the fitting of seat belts on all motor cars?
I do not agree. To make it an offence not to use a seat belt it would have to be a criminal offence punishable by a fine. It would be wrong that such a thing would be done here. I would not be prepared to agree to it.
It could be made a minor offence, not a criminal offence.
An offence is an offence. I do not want to make a criminal out of the ordinary person.
Is the Minister saying that he is not going to consider this any further at the moment?
No. I always wear a seat belt and I recommend that anyone sitting in the front seat of a car should do the same.
What about the person who has not got a seat belt?
Then they should have one. They are supposed to at the present time.
It should be made compulsory.