asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that two out of every three children injured seriously in car accidents in the United Kingdom could be saved by wearing rear seat belts; the comparative figures for this country; and if he has any plans to deal with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Safety Belts.
7.
I am aware of the UK estimate that the use of restraints, including seat belts where appropriate, can reduce the risk of injury to children carried as rear seat passengers by about two-thirds.
So far as this country is concerned, 17 children under the age of 15 were killed and 186 were seriously injured while travelling as rear seat passengers in the period 1982 to 1984.
I propose to make regulations shortly making the fitment and wearing of rear seat belts compulsory in new vehicles. However, the wearing of seat belts is not generally recommended for children under the age of 12 years. Such children will remain outside the scope of the compulsory seat belt regulations.
I would urge parents, on a voluntary basis, to take steps to protect their children when they are travelling as passengers in motor vehicles. Children should not sit in the front seat. As rear seat passengers, infants aged four years or less should be in a carrycot, or on a safety seat, strapped to the back seat. For older children, up to 12 years of age, a child safety harness is preferable to a seat belt. Where a seat belt is used, it should be fitted with an adjustable strap or be used in conjunction with a special booster cushion, not a household cushion. I understand that the special restraints recommended for young children are not compulsory in other European countries.
I am very happy with that reply, but I take it the Minister is introducing regulations to make compulsory the wearing of seat belts in the rear of cars for those over 12 years. When does the Minister intend to introduce those regulations? Is it necessary to lay them before the House?
I intend to make the regulations some time within the next few months. As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, I am not aware of the statutory or other requirements. If they have to be laid before the House for a certain period before coming into force, I will make them at an earlier date. Following a campaign last year the estimated wearing of seat belts is at the rate of 60 per cent but to achieve full potential a wearing rate of 80 per cent to 90 per cent is regarded as ideal.
Can we take it that the wearing of seat belts and the provision of belts by manufacturers will be compulsory by the end of the summer?
It depends on our estimate of when the summer ends. They will be compulsory within the next few months.