Vol. 481 No. 3
124 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the air bags in cars in Ireland are safe in view of the warning at the 17th Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine in Dublin recently; and if he will make a statement on the safety of air bags. [15977/97]
Ireland is participating in action at EU level to improve awareness of certain risks associated with air bags in cars and in particular to reduce risks to children. In developing this action, there has been consensus that in terms of overall road safety air bags make a beneficial contribution but that greater awareness is needed of risks arising in unsuitable situations.
EU Directive 96/36/EC establishes an interim measure with effect from 1 January 1997, based on the type approval of seat belts in cars. This type approval requires that a warning must be fitted to all passenger seating positions where an air bag is present that no rearward-facing child restraint should be fitted in that seat. From 1 January 1998, whole vehicle type approval will be compulsory for new vehicles; this will include a mandatory warning note requirement for vehicles fitted with air bags.
Research is continuing internationally in relation to air bags in cars and improvements arising from this process will continue to be implemented in Ireland through the EU-type approval system.
