(Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that (a) headlamps from Eastern Europe are being fitted to cars because they cheaper and (b) that these lamps are a danger on the roads because of the broad beam they show.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Safety of Headlamps.
12.
No representations have been made to me on the issues raised by the Deputy. If such details are supplied to me, I will have the matter investigated in the Department, in consultation with the other Departments concerned.
As Deputy Browne is unable to be present may I ask the Minister if, in view of the fact that it is becoming commonplace that drivers are subjected to headlights from oncoming cars, lights which literally would cut the eyes out of one's head, and in view of the fact that it is acknowledged, within the garage trade, that Ireland is becoming increasingly a dumping ground for a cheap variety of headlights from Eastern bloc countries, that there is a need to do something about this problem. The problem arises from the fact that these headlights are designed for left-hand drive cars. Any expert in the focusing of lights would acknowledge that it is almost impossible to focus them in accordance with our driving standards.
As I have said, we have had no representations in this matter. Should it come to light that there is dumping at below cost prices from third countries, that is, countries outside the EC, as suggested by Deputy Higgins, the Minister for Industry and Commerce has power to restrict any such dumping. The Deputy is right when he says there is a road traffic regulation dealing with this matter. That is article 48 (2) (b) of the Road Traffic Lighting of Vehicles Regulations, 1963. The article stipulates that dipped headlamps on a vehicle should be so fitted and constructed as to be incapable of dazzling a person who is on the same horizontal plane as the vehicle at a greater distance distance than 25 feet from the land and whose eye level is not less than 3 foot 6 inches above the plain. There is a maximum fine on conviction for a breach of that regulation of £150 for a first offence.
I am calling Question No. 13.
May I suggest, in view of the fact that these products are readily indentifiable and that the standard required in Ireland is visibly marked "E" on the actual glass, that there should be a more rigorous and vigorous inspection on an ongoing basis in relation to the application of the standard? It is readily identifiable at a quick glance as to whether the standard is in vogue on a particular vehicle.
If Deputy Browne and Deputy Higgins have any evidence of this practice being widespread or if they feel that anything can be done, if they would indicate that to me they can rest assured that it will be pursued.