Vol. 502 No. 3
436 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will introduce legislation to implement the recommendations contained in the Government's policy on road safety; the timescale for the introduction of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8303/99]
In general, the actions envisaged by the Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 can be mobilised without new legislation, but will need good operational support from the agencies concerned and, in many cases, from the public.
A timetable for key actions has been set out in an appendix to the strategy, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
I have already made regulations to widen the scope of the on-the-spot fines system. The new offences brought within the system include stop and yield sign infringements, traffic light infringements, defective tyres and non-wearing of seat belts.
The proposal for a penalty points system is being developed by my Department with a view to the enactment of legislation in 1999. In accordance with the strategy, consideration is also being given to the possibility of a legislative amendment to provide for random breath testing on a selective basis.
437 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to review the law relating to very young children occupying the front passenger seat of cars, although placed in a seat facing the back window and held in by a safety belt, given the long held view that children should be secured in the back seat of a car. [8305/99]
EU Directive 91/671/EEC provides for the compulsory wearing of safety belts and child restraints in passenger cars. It is implemented in national regulations through the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations, 1991. These regulations permit young children – under four years old – to be carried in the front passenger seat, provided appropriate child restraints are used. However, where a front passenger air-bag is also fitted, a rearward facing child restraint must not be used.
EU whole vehicle type approval is compulsory for all new passenger cars. This requires, inter alia, that a mandatory warning sign 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.
There is no proposal to amend regulations in this area.
