asked the Minister for the Environment whether, in view of the ease with which cars are being stolen and the number of such thefts, he proposes to make representations to car manufacturers concerning the need for improved locking devices and security or to introduce regulations in regard to standards of design in cars.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stolen Cars.
11.
(Dublin South-East): Regulations under the Road Traffic Acts require that vehicles be fitted with door, ignition or immobility locks or devices. EEC Directive No. 74/61 prescribes for vehicle manufacturers, standards of protective devices. Vehicles manufactured to these standards may freely circulate in all member states.
I have no proposals for further action in this matter.
Surely the Minister is aware that certain makes of cars are much easier to open and steal than are others?
Will the Minister try to see if something can be done? Certain cars can be opened without any trouble, as the Minister is well aware, while other cars present more difficulty. Why cannot all cars be standardised as far as this matter is concerned?
(Dublin South-East): It would be inappropriate for the Minister to get in touch with car manufacturers and to suggest how they should provide locking devices for their vehicles. I feel that the message will get home to the manufacturers that they themselves should provide better locking and safety devices for their cars. If the particular models the Deputy has in mind are being stolen on a regular basis, I think that will become apparent. It cannot be regarded as good sales technique to sell cars with such inadequate locking and safety devices.
Why is it that so many cars are easily opened and stolen? I cannot see anything wrong in the Minister getting in touch with the car manufacturers in regard to this matter. Is the Minister not aware that it is costing the State millions of pounds and that the police have to spend many hours trying to trace stolen cars. I cannot understand why the Minister cannot make some suggestions on the matter to the car manufacturers. Perhaps they have a vested interest in having the cars stolen and destroyed.
I am calling the next question.