Vol. 439 No. 3
84 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the Coopers and Lybrand report which says that the principal reason for the higher level of fatalities and serious personal injuries in this country as against the United Kingdom was thought to be the poorer condition of Irish roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A report of October 1993 by Coopers and Lybrand on private motor insurance costs and cover in Ireland and the United Kingdom states that the insurance industry put forward nine reasons, which are not exclusive, including the road system and its maintenance, for the differential in insurance rates between this country and the UK. The analysis of fatal and injury accidents by possible contributory factor which is contained in the Road Accident Facts, 1992, published by the former environmental research unit, does not support the claim that road condition is the principal factor in such accidents here.
In terms of the level of road safety generally, the record of this country compares favourably with other EU member states. The UK has one of the best road safety records in Europe. The National Development Plan provides for continued substantial investment in upgrading the network of roads, both national and non-national, which will contribute to safer driving conditions generally.
