Vol. 539 No. 1
319 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to reform the road traffic legislation in order that the use of a mobile phone would be made illegal for all motorists, and in particular, for those driving public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18878/01]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 238 of 6 March 2001. The Government Strategy for Road Safety, 1998-2002, indicated that, in common with a majority of EU member states, the Government does not propose at this stage to regulate for a specific prohibition on the use of mobile phones by drivers. The safe use of mobile phones by drivers was instead to be promoted through information campaigns, including campaigns supported by the mobile phone industry.
In line with this policy, the National Safety Council has issued an advisory leaflet sponsored by Esat for the safe use of mobile phones by drivers. Another initiative has been a leaflet issued by Eircell and the AA in association with Esso.
Notwithstanding the absence of a specific prohibition, use of a mobile phone that causes a driver to act in a manner which could be regarded as dangerous or careless may be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Acts.
