Vol. 524 No. 1
139 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current vehicle safety standards applied to new vehicles here, including new models of each marque; if this includes new types of headlights over recent years; and the tests applied to each new vehicle before it goes on the road. [21847/00]
Since 1 October 1998, new cars being put on the market within the European Union must conform to the EU whole vehicle type approval standard. This standard consists of some 54 individual vehicle component standards addressing safety and environmental requirements. These include standards for headlamps and headlamp bulbs.
The tests which must be passed before a type approval certificate can be issued are set out in detail in the separate directives covering each of the 54 items. They are carried out under the supervision of the type approval authority to which the application for type approval is made by a vehicle manufacturer and normally involve the assistance of specialised accredited laboratories. The National Standards Authority of Ireland has been designated as the type approval authority in relation to any applications by manufacturers which may be brought within the Irish jurisdiction.
