Vol. 491 No. 3
360 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will review the inadequacies of the system of MOT and service checks on cars in view of a recent incident (details supplied) in Dublin 11 when a car went on fire and three children died as a result of smoke inhalation. [12262/98]
My deepest sympathy, and that of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, goes to the family and friends of the children who were victims of this tragic accident.
It is right that we should seek to reduce the risk of a recurrence. While international experience suggests that periodic roadworthiness testing is a limited instrument in ensuring the safety of vehicle electrical systems, my Department will look at this matter in the context of new technical parameters for vehicle testing now being finalised. I have also requested the National Safety Council to consider the need for renewing public awareness of this kind of risk, in line with the cautions already set out in the Rules of the Road.
